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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Rangers insist SPFL have NOT been vindicated as club declare 'the status quo cannot hold'

Rangers have declared the SPFL's leadership fatally compromised despite the need for an independent inquiry into the league body being rejected.

A club statement insists "the status quo cannot hold" but thanked Hearts and Stranraer for backing their now-defeated resolution.

The Ibrox club had called for an investigation into the organisation's conduct before and after a vote to end the lower leagues early.

That resolution also gave the SPFL the power to end the Premiership on the same points-per-game basis, crowning Celtic champions and relegating Hearts.

Rangers submitted a dossier of evidence to fellow clubs, however they voted by 27 to 12 against initiating a probe on Tuesday, with two teams abstaining.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and chairman Murdoch MacLennan have called for clubs to come together to battle the current crisis but Rangers remain adamant trust in their leadership has been lost.

The statement said: "We note the result of the vote taken at this morning’s general meeting and wish to thank all clubs for listening to our concerns, giving up their time to read our report and for voting.

"We also wish to place on record our thanks to our fellow requisitioners, who showed courage and acted with dignity throughout.

"Furthermore, to those clubs who voted in favour of the resolution, we appreciate your support and recognise your desire for increased accountability at the top of our national sport.

"Today’s vote has erased the false narrative of this issue simply being a conflict between one club and the SPFL. All we sought was urgently required scrutiny, respect for all member clubs, fairness and transparency.

"Significantly, support for the Hearts, Stranraer and Rangers requisition spanned the four professional divisions. Member clubs, recognising the need for Scottish football to improve its governance and professionalism, have moved beyond sporting rivalries and it would be unwise to regard this result as any kind of endorsement of the SPFL executive.

"A light has been shone on the SPFL’s governance and regardless of the attempts to debunk our report, there is widespread acknowledgment that it highlighted serious issues and failings which remain to be addressed.

"A management culture which not only fears accountability and scrutiny, but which actively campaigns against it, is unhealthy and breeds continued mistrust. This culture, so deeply embedded, must be addressed if Scottish football is to flourish.

"It is clear that many members have lost confidence in the SPFL leadership and the need for change will not diminish.

"The status quo cannot hold."

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