Rangers hit with SFA disrepute charge

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

The financial crisis deepens at the Rangers, one of the top two clubs in Scotland. REUTERS photo

Rangers were plunged into fresh turmoil after the financially stricken Glasgow giants were charged with bringing the game into disrepute by the Scottish Football Association.

The SFA said in a statement an independent inquiry had ruled Rangers owner Craig Whyte was not a fit and proper person to hold a position within football, paving the way for the disrepute charge.

The findings of the inquiry, led by senior Scottish judge William Nimmo Smith, were heard at a special SFA board meeting in Glasgow and will now be referred to a judicial panel.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: “Principally, it is the belief of the Board, taking into account the prima facie evidence presented today (Thursday), that Mr Craig Whyte is not considered to be a Fit and Proper person to hold a position within Association Football.”

Administrators were called in to Rangers on February 14 after British tax authorities went to court to seek payment of an unpaid bill of £9 million ($14m) built up since Whyte took charge at Ibrox in May.

Administration meant Rangers were docked 10 points - a move that handed the league title to Celtic.