League defend use of charity money

Rugby League

The Rugby Football League yesterday insisted that money taken from a charity set up to fund the development of youth rugby had not been misused.

Amid reports that pounds 850,000 had been removed from the accounts of the Foundation, a tax-free charitable trust, the League's auditors, Deloitte Touche, are believed to have refused to ratify the RFL accounts for the 19 months to 31 December, 1996, because of "reservations about items of expenditure."

The League, however, say that all money raised has been used to foster youth development and that they will open up the books. The Charities Commission are reported to be investigating.

Clubs outside Super League are preparing to join forces with the amateur ruling body. The First and Second Division Association is believed to have reached agreement over unification with the British Amateur Association.

The move is a clear indication of a split between (Europe), the marketing arm of Super League, and the smaller clubs, who, alarmed at talk of Super League franchises in such cities as Newcastle, Dublin and Bristol, are keen to strengthen the game in its heartland.

World Club Championship reports, page 8