Rangers Newco Refused Spl Spot
It has been confirmed that Rangers will not play in the Scottish Premier League this season, after SPL chairmen voted against the new club’s application to replace the old Rangers in the top flight.
According to media reports, 10 of the 12 clubs were in opposition – with Kilmarnock abstaining and Rangers the only club to vote in favour of the application.
The re-formed Ibrox club will now apply to play in the Scottish Football League but it remains unclear which division they will enter.
Rangers FC plc entered administration in February owing up to £134m to unsecured creditors.
The company will eventually be liquidated and has been replaced by a new company run by Charles Green.
The newco has since seen 10 first-team players refuse to transfer their contracts from the previous regime, including Scotland internationals Allan McGregor, Steven Whittaker and Steven Naismith – who signed for Everton on a free transfer yesterday.
Who will replace Rangers in the SPL is also still undecided, but it is likely to be either Dunfermline, who were relegated last season, or First Division runners-up Dundee.
SFL clubs met earlier this week to discuss a Scottish FA proposal for Rangers to enter Division One but the Ibrox club could begin season 2012/13 in Division Three if that idea does not gain the support of a majority of clubs.
Eleven of the 30 clubs have already indicated their opposition to Rangers entering Division One, with a vote scheduled to take place on 12th July.
