Rangers postpone bid announcement

Rangers administrators Duff and Phelps have been forced to delay the announcement of a preferred bidder for the Ibrox club due to proposed changes to Scottish Premier League rules.

They had hoped to announce today the acceptance in principle of an offer for the purchase of the Glasgow giants, with Paul Murray's Blue Knights, American businessman Bill Miller and a Singapore consortium fronted by Bill Ng still in the running.

However, the SPL have revealed that clubs will vote on a number of resolutions relating to financial fair play at a general meeting on April 30, which could result in tougher sanctions for clubs in administration and those facing liquidation.

Paul Clark, joint administrator, said: "As administrators we had hoped to announce today the acceptance in principle of an offer for the purchase of Rangers Football Club, which would be followed by a period of exclusivity while due diligence is undertaken.

"Regrettably, this is not now possible as we were informed over the Easter holiday period that the SPL is proposing to consider at a general meeting on April 30, significant rule changes in relation to clubs which find themselves in an insolvency situation."

Liquidation is an option in the event that Rangers are unable to exit administration via a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement).

If the SPL proposals are passed, a 'newco' Rangers would be docked 10 points for two consecutive seasons, as well as seeing SPL fees slashed by 75% for three seasons, if allowed straight back into the top flight.

Clark described the proposed rule changes as "disruptive and regrettable" at a time when administrators are trying to find a buyer for the club.

He added: "The effect of such revised measures being considered at this juncture is that we, as administrators, are duty bound to inform those parties who have submitted bids of the proposed resolutions the SPL intends to consider.

"Failure to do so would constitute material non-disclosure on our part, which is a serious matter.

"Inevitably, bidders are now considering this information and will have to take a view as to whether it will affect their individual bids as they now stand.

"The result is a delay in the sale process. We hope to receive feedback from bidders as soon as possible in order for us to take the sale process forward as quickly as we can.

"We fully respect the right of the SPL to review its own rules and regulations and will not comment on the detail of what is being proposed for the meeting on April 30 at this stage.

"However, the fact that such measures are being considered at such a sensitive point in the sale process at Rangers is disruptive and regrettable.

"We hope to issue a further update by the end of this week."

PA