SFA says Rangers owner Craig Whyte Not Fit to Hold a Football Position

March 9, 2012

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has stated that Rangers owner Craig Whyte “is not considered to be a fit and proper person to hold a position within association football” following an independent inquiry into the financially stricken club.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan also confirmed that Rangers face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute.

The findings of the independent inquiry were heard at a Special Board Meeting at Hampden Park today and will now be referred to the Judicial Panel.

The SFA confirmed on February 17 – three days after Rangers went into administration – that they would conduct a full independent inquiry into the activities of the club and investigate whether there had been any potential breaches of their Articles of Association.

The football governing body said at that time attempts to obtain information relating to their “fit and proper person” requirement had been restricted by the club solicitors’ failure to share information.

Regan said in a statement on Thursday: “I can confirm that the Scottish FA convened a Special Board Meeting at Hampden Park today to discuss the findings of the Independent Inquiry into Rangers FC, prepared by the Chair, The Right Honourable Lord William Nimmo Smith.

“Principally, it is the belief of the Board, taking into account the prima facie evidence presented today, that Mr Craig Whyte is not considered to be a Fit and Proper person to hold a position within Association Football.

“We will be writing to Mr Whyte in relation to those findings and shall seek a response within seven days. The report submitted by Lord Nimmo Smith, having been considered fully by the Board, highlights a number of other potential rule breaches by the club and its owner.

“The report will now be used as evidence and forwarded to a Judicial Panel for consideration and determination as per the protocol. As such, the report’s contents will not be published at this time.

“Nevertheless, I can confirm that the club is facing a charge of bringing the game into disrepute.”

by Ismail Uddin