Scottish Championship side Rangers investor Mike Ashley, who also owns EPL side Newcastle United, "has bought the rights to rename Ibrox Stadium" for just £1 ($1.63), according to Keith Jackson of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. The agreement was struck two years ago with former Rangers CEO Charles Green. Ashley "retains the right to rebrand Rangers' home 'at the drop of a hat' with the name of his retail firm Sports Direct." Rangers Dir Sandy Easdale shared the news of the "existence of Ashley's deal" in a Q&A. While Easdale refused to "say how much Ashley paid for the rights," Green reportedly "gave them away for a quid -- and later blew" £250,000 ($408,560) in legal fees "trying to get the contract ripped up." Sources "close to Easdale insist he has urged Ashley not to press the
button on renaming Ibrox but admits the contract is watertight." Easdale also confirmed that Ashley has been "blocked from buying new shares as
SFA rules prohibit him from owning" more than 10% of any Scottish
club. Easdale "ruled out selling Ibrox." Easdale: "Let's clear this up, the Sports Direct Arena. Charles Green
had already done a deal with Mike on that. Sports Direct haven't taken
it up as yet. Mike Ashley could call it the Sport Direct Arena
tomorrow" (DAILY RECORD, 9/3).
