The Scottish Premier League has sought clarification from the Scottish FA over an agreement "previously struck to settle a debt" owed by Rangers to Dundee United, according to Grant Russell of STV. Both governing bodies "agreed to pay a percentage of the debt" to Dundee United on Rangers' behalf, taken directly from withheld competition monies from the '11-12 season. The SPL, however, disagrees that "they have a commitment to pay up," despite its secretary, Iain Blair, having sent a letter to Rangers on May 18 "outlining their intention to do so." An SPL spokesperson told STV: "We are now discussing this matter with Andrew McKinlay, the Scottish FA's director of football governance." It is understood the Scottish FA "have honoured their side of the agreement" (STV, 8/15). The BBC's Martin Conaghan reported that Dundee United has confirmed that debts owed to the club from Rangers oldco "have not yet been paid," contrary to claims from Rangers Owner Charles Green. United insists sums due from a Scottish Cup tie played at Ibrox last season are unpaid and the matter "now rests with the Scottish football authorities." Rangers claim the SPL "agreed to settle the debt." However, the SPL maintains that the agreement was made with Rangers oldco and "is now void." BBC also reported that Rapid Vienna are still owed for the sale of player Nikica Jelavic, although the next payment to the Austrian club "is not due until the end of August." Dundee United was "listed as being owed" £65,981 ($104,000), however BBC reported that figure "is closer to" £30,000 ($47,000) (BBC, 8/15). Green said, "the club was given a written commitment from the SPL in May that it would settle an outstanding debt to Dundee Utd" (DAILY RECORD, 8/15).
SUMMER OF UNCERTAINTY: The BBC's Chris McLaughlin reported that the SPL has "yet to distribute cash to its member clubs and is unsure when it will be in a position to do so." Clubs were due to receive money from sponsorship and broadcasting revenues at the start of this month but "have been told they will have to wait." The delay is being blamed "on cash flow problems resulting from the summer of uncertainty" over Rangers. The problem is "also affecting the Scottish Football League." It is due about £2M ($3.1M) from the SPL for their annual settlement agreement (BBC, 8/15).
GREEN VOWS TO FIGHT: The SCOTTISH SUN reported that Green claimed Scottish football authorities "have an agenda" against Rangers. Green made the accusation "during a rousing speech to supporters" outside Ibrox and warned Scottish football: "You won’t take the p*** out of Rangers!" Green vowed to "continue fighting the governing bodies regardless of the consequences." Green: "I’ll give you an example. This morning, I had a phone call from the SPL telling us we can’t put our old games on the website because we don’t own the archive rights." He added: “I think there is an agenda. There’s battles to be won" (SCOTTISH SUN, 8/15).
