Scottish Premiership: Six clubs question ‘overall governance’ of SPFL

Several clubs in the Scottish Premiership, including Rangers and Aberdeen, have raised concerns regarding the independence of an ongoing independent review into the governance of the SPFL (Scottish Professional Football League). In a joint statement also signed by St Johnstone, Motherwell, St Mirren, and Livingston, these clubs express serious reservations regarding the report and the overall governance of the league.

The clubs are seeking full clarity on numerous issues highlighted in the review to determine if further action is necessary. The independent review was commissioned in July following a dispute over sponsorship involving Rangers, which led to an apology from SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan.

In January, the SPFL announced a draft report showing compliance with significant elements of the UK Code of Corporate Governance, with MacLennan expressing reassurance but caution. However, the six clubs contest that the statement was issued without the approval or knowledge of league members and did not reflect the full findings of the report.

They raise concerns about the independence of the review, noting that the SPFL executive received the first draft and made changes before sending it to board members. Furthermore, only one of the 42 member clubs had the opportunity to provide input into the investigation. Despite requests, the report has not been released to any member clubs, despite them covering the cost of its creation.

The handling of the independent governance report has exacerbated the clubs’ governance concerns, prompting urgent calls for clarity from the SPFL board and executive to address these troubling issues for the sake of trust in the organization’s leadership.

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