A Lie for a Lie

by

The “Lawwell Letter” is trending everywhere this week. To elucidate, it is email sent to (among others) Peter Lawwell and Eric Riley of Celtic on 26 July 2012 by SPL CEO Neil Doncaster.

The email came with an attached copy of the Five Way Agreement (hereafter “5WA”, the deal between Sevco, Rangers, the SFA, the SPL and the SFL). Now that it has been made public, it seems safe to speak openly about what it all means for us as folk who believe in sporting integrity.

I would preface my comments with a caveat though. On the face of it, the Celtic Chief Executive appears to have misled the gathering at the recent Celtic AGM. He was asked by a shareholder if Celtic were involved in the Five Way Agreement. Lawwell replied, “No”, and gave same “No” response to the follow up question, “have you seen it?”

Given that a copy of that email was in the possession of a few folk before that AGM, I have to admit to being surprised by that answer – although even more surprised at the apparent lack of due diligence implied by the lack of knowledge of its content.

We have attempted to contact Mr Lawwell to ask him if he would like to comment on the apparent discrepancy between the evidence and his answer (and I am sure we are not the only ones to have done so). To date, we have received no response. Given the complete lack of acknowledgement of the existence of this anomaly in the MSM, we should perhaps assume that none will be forthcoming.

Perhaps there is an explanation (yes I know), but Celtic should know, like Rangers old and new have come to realise, that silence on these matters breeds deep suspicion and distrust.

Assuming for the minute that Occam’s Razor applies here, there may be an uncomfortable truth emerging for Celtic fans – that Rangers (old and new) do not have a monopoly on dishonesty. There is also an uncomfortable truth that should emerge for Rangers fans too – that as we have said all along, this has never been about just Rangers, but about the governance of the game.

If the Celtic CEO did lie to the AGM a few weeks ago what are the consequences? He broke no laws as far as I can see. One insider I spoke to said simply this,

“So he lied. So what? What happens now? It’s irrelevant”

That is of course absolutely true. As long as controlling shareholders are happy that Resolution 12 is buried, and that no deep inquiry into governance is held into the workings of the game in Scotland, the lie is nonpunishable, though it would be a mistake to believe that accountability is confined only to the corporate rules governing Boards and shareholders; the corporate veil of “I was only following company policy” can be readily challenged in the court of public opinion, which has no statute of limitations.

What all this demonstrates of course is that Celtic have been saying one thing to their fans and shareholders, nodding agreement in private meetings about how appalling Rangers behaviour was, tut-tutting over how amateurish the authorities were, and wringing their hands in frustration at what a sham the LNS inquiry turned out to be.

At the same time, they have done nothing, allowed small shareholders to spend not inconsiderable suns progressing the matter, and quietly hoped that the “appetite” for justice would diminish so they could get back to whatever it is they and the rest do when subject to little or no scrutiny.

Whilst ten in a row is on the table of course, they can get away with it. To Celtic fans right now, understandably, nothing else matters. But what if TIAR is derailed? Not a stretch to imagine that the Parkhead kitchen could get uncontrollably hot in that circumstance. And when the TIAR squirrel finally ends its scurry, in either success or failure, where will the fans attention be diverted?

Perhaps the arrogance that permits making (allegedly) false statements to a general meeting, and (allegedly) misleading shareholders over Res 12 is borne of the knowledge that the parachutes are ready to be deployed when either of the above scenarios come to pass? If TIAR is achieved or goes south, are they already prepared for an emergency exit?

Celtic have two major shareholders whose combined holding is over 50% of the club’s shares. Dermot Desmond and Nick Train. Desmond is now in his eighth decade and Train is reportedly having some business difficulties. Both may well be moved to get out anyway, but fan unrest would make their decision a whole lot easier.

And Lawwell himself is – if you believe the MSM – on the wanted list of nearly as many top clubs as Alfredo Morelos.

The foregoing of course is extremely “Old Firm” centric, and as the two biggest clubs in the country they certainly have the biggest impact on the game, culturally, socially and financially. However there is no get-out clause here for others.

We KNOW there is evidence of fraud surrounding the licencing issue in 2012. We KNOW there is evidence of a cover up over that, and the EBT-related registration issues for Old Rangers. We KNOW that the Five Way Agreement was signed by football authorities in the knowledge that it would rob their own rules of judicial authority with regard to compliance by RFC prior to 2012.

We also know that NOT ONE club has taken a meaningful stand against any of it.

Clubs are saying one thing to supporters and doing their best to derail those supporters’ efforts on the other. We can also infer (not unreasonably) that the folk who run the clubs think that we as fans have no right to interfere in how they run their operations.

As I said earlier, Celtic can do what they like whilst TIAR is live, but afterwards, however it ends, the fans and shareholders involved in Res 12 will still be asking questions. Celtic in particular know how fatal it can be to alienate their own fan base – a fan base that has flexed its muscles with devastating effect for the boardroom in the past. And it is the wrath of the fans of all clubs that will eventually see the charlatans get their just desserts.

Our job as fans is to continue to hold those who care little for the honour and beauty of football to account, to continue to press them on their refusal to deal with arguably the biggest sporting scandal in Scottish history.

The bottom line (which is of course what the folk in boardrooms care about) is this. They need us far more than we need them. As fans of different clubs, the sensibility of those of us at SFM recognises that the real battle, the real war, is not between rival fans or rival clubs, but between the arrogant, self-entitled clique who run our game; who lie for fun, who cheat and belittle the sport; and the good folk who make it possible for the game to prosper.

Resolution 12 is not just about Rangers – nor is it just about Celtic. It deserves to be embraced by every true football fan in the country. The Res 12 franchise needs to widened

Sooner or later the fans will demonstrate their unhappiness with the money men. They did it in 2012, and they will inevitably do so again.

2,251 thoughts on “A Lie for a Lie”

  1. There are a couple of problems with signing young Hagi for 4.5m then immediately selling him to Real Madrid for 8.5m and pocketing a cool 4 m for doing the square root of heehaw . The first one is obvious , for a club* that can't afford to pay the squad wages rustling up 4.5 m might be a but tricky and secondly young Hagi doesn't have to sign for Rangers* . They only have first option to offer him terms for an agreed fee to his parent club . Only a very foolish agent would suggest he signs a contract at Ibrox and then negotiates a deal at Real. If the interest from Real is well …real , and I must admit to being just a tad sceptical about that then they will discuss matters with his agent . Of course it's great to suggest that the Ibrox based club* has 4m just sitting waiting to be picked up especially if you are a lender of last resort who has a loan due for approximately ….. 4m . 

    As others have already pointed out , today's statement when laid bare (or should that be bear) is an acknowledgement that the Blue room is now reminiscent of old Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. Even with the lower paid earners on the Furlough scheme and an unknown percentage of wages from the high earners deferred it will be a massive struggle to meet the April wage bill. Even if they can kick the can down the road the problems are piling up for whenever normality returns. What chance have they got of meeting any transfer instalment fees that will be due shortly ? As all other clubs are in a similar position they may find that goodwill will be in short supply . As David Murray said to Airdrie FC " it's nothing personal , just business". Talking of business will the next statement include a tempting offer to the fans to buy 1sq ft of genuine Ibrox turf  ? If not then they're missing a wee earner there. (why else would you dig up the pitch before the decision to end or extend the season? ) In other news , the interims have still not made a public appearance and there's still no news of a retail deal .  Hagi to Real Madrid ……… ahahahahahaha  the more things change the more they stay the same !

  2. It’s now Ann Budge’s turn to issue another statement. (it’s a bit weak and wishy-washy compared to some of her recent efforts)

    https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/chairmans-statement-1-2-3

    Following the SPFL briefings held today, and having now had the opportunity (post meeting) to read the written resolution being proposed, I can confirm that Heart of Midlothian will not be voting in favour of the proposal as it stands.

    Over the past 24 hours, in advance of today’s meetings, a number of Clubs have been discussing possible options and sharing ideas.  Many of those Clubs believe, as we do, that a decision of such magnitude requires significantly more discussion and debate than has been made available to us.

    I absolutely understand that finding an equitable outcome for all will not be easy.  However, I firmly believe that we must try to find a solution which ensures that no Club should be penalised as a consequence of these exceptional circumstances.  

    It was emphasised today that some clubs, particularly those in the lower Leagues, need funds to be released to help them navigate their way through this exceptional situation.  I do not accept however, that this resolution needs to be passed in order to release those funds.  If the Government can change the Laws of the Land, within 24 hours, to cope with this crisis, then surely it cannot be impossible for Scottish Football’s Governing bodies to modify rules to get things done.  This is a time for pragmatism, not rules.  There are other ways of addressing the current financial challenges and as such we will be supporting the Members Resolution being put forward by Rangers.

    I wrote to the SPFL on the 15th March, asking that all 42 clubs be given the opportunity and time to discuss this situation fully.  That has not happened and we now find ourselves once again in apparent disarray.  For the avoidance of doubt, I am not pointing fingers at the SPFL Executive, nor indeed at the Board, as I know how much effort has gone into trying to find a way through this totally unprecedented situation.  However, an issue of this scale was always going to demand full involvement of the member Clubs.

    I also asked that we try to see this as an opportunity to look at whether a league restructure, so often talked about, could help us through this difficult time.  I was disappointed to read in the papers issued today that it will be considered, but it was also stated that “…it is very difficult to achieve consensus behind any restructuring proposal, let alone quickly”.  This is an emergency situation, and Clubs acknowledge and many accept that it needs actions befitting an emergency situation.  Decisions taken to see us through this emergency do not have to be cast in stone.  We need to look at the restructuring option with belief that it will help and not with negativity.

    This is a time for all Clubs and SPFL partners to pull together to find an equitable solution for all. If something is right, it is right:  if it is wrong, it is wrong. We will continue to lobby for doing the right thing, both for Clubs and for Scottish Football.

  3. Timtim

    If ever there was a time to relax your face, maintain eye contact and only blink occasionally, now’s the time. Stock is low and there are certain teams facing the reality of this. Some will prosper and secure players on longer term deals for future investment, mostly those that have no immediate urgency to capitalise and sell. Others will forever reminisce about this . 

    Scottish football needs a strong Scottish football, without fear or prejudice, more so than a strong Arbroath. 

     

  4. Given the recent past history of Scottish football it would not surprise me if a 42 way deal has already been arranged off the table and this vote is designed to provide a veneer of due process and for clubs to make the right noises for their respective fanbases. Every single club requires cash now not just the one based in Ibrox. They are all in this together and will have to make a truly collective decision.

  5. easyJambo

    8th April 2020 at 19:10

    One other thing that hasn’t been clarified in relation to the proposals is the play-off between Club 42 and the HL/LL play-off winners.

    The SPFL have unilaterally proposed that there will be no play-offs, i.e. Brechin will be saved. However, the SPFL rules state that the Pyramid Play-off rules can only be achieved by agreement between the SFA, SPFL, HL and LL.

    From the SPFL’s own rules:
    Annex 9 – I(c)
    Any amendment to these Pyramid Play-Off Rules must be agreed by each of the Scottish FA, SPFL, SHFL and SLFL prior to it becoming effective.

    That looks as if the SPFL’s proposals could be deemed “ultra vires”, therefore subject to challenge by the HL / LL.

    Of course, the HL / LL could use the situation as a bargaining tool to facilitate the automatic relegation of Club 42 in future years.

    ………………

    EJ, as I read it, no amendment to the existing rules would be required. There is already a rule in place.

    When a club, or clubs, cannot complete its (or their) fixtures, the SPFL board can make any determination it considers appropriate in the circumstances. That specifically includes a determination of a scheduled Play Off Competition.

    The key phrase is “participate in”.

    Clubs Ceasing to Operate, Participate in and/or be a Member of the League

    C50 If, for any reason and during or after any Season, any Club ceases to operate or participate in or to be member of the League or any Play-Off Competition, its playing record in the League and/or any Play-Off Competitions may be expunged by the Board and/or the Board may determine the deemed score in the remainder of its Official Matches and/or the Board may take such steps and make such determinations as to League and Divisional position and/or promotion and/or relegation and participation and/or results in and outcome of any Play-Off Competition and/or any other Competition operated by the Company and any and all such further or other steps or measures as the Board shall consider appropriate in the circumstances.

  6. So we have sevco and prob Hearts voting against maybe the Dons as well and 1 more will scuttle it for the top division.Would Killie side with sevco.

  7. Here are some thoughts on it from someone on the Celtic blog.If the post is not allowed admin please delete.

    Wullie Langdon

    2 hrs

    I think we ALL know that the League cannot be written off as null and void. Broadcasters may want refunds as will ST holders all over the country.

    Celtic will, regardless of getting awarded it as it stands or by getting the games played out (if possible) will STILL be Champions.

    No matter which way this folds, we are winners.

    Sevco are feigning concern for other clubs in the hope that this exercise in "crying wolf" will convince clubs to back them and get these payments made and NOT award Celtic the title.

    There is a way round this and Celtic as a Club should promote this and come out smelling of roses whilst sticking one to Sevco.

    Bear with me on this.

    I've done the numbers.

    Total prize monies for SPFL Premier League is £20,502,000.

    Celtic's cut as winners would be £3.350,000

    Sevco's cut as 2nd (?) would be £2,400,000

    And so it goes on a sliding scale.

    Celtic, as the most powerful and magnanimous club should propose, in light of the plight of smaller clubs, in line with Sevco's concerns, the following:-

    ALL Premiership Clubs for this season and this season only should ALL get an equal split of the money.

    This means ALL clubs get £1,713,500 each

    But before you all start, lets revisit the numbers.

    Celtic lose £1,636,500 with this deal.

    Sevco lose £680,500 with this deal.

    I'm pretty sure we can take a hit of this size but can they? At the rate they burn through money?

    They also get what they wanted which is the prize money right now but it is less than they expect LOL.

    It also helps a lot of other smaller clubs further down the League.

    Or payout all the cash except 1st and 2nd until the season can be finished or until it is impossible to complete it.

    You gotta laugh or maybe cry each to their own.

     

  8. It was emphasised today that some clubs, particularly those in the lower Leagues, need funds to be released to help them navigate their way through this exceptional situation. I do not accept however, that this resolution needs to be passed in order to release those funds. If the Government can change the Laws of the Land, within 24 hours, to cope with this crisis, then surely it cannot be impossible for Scottish Football’s Governing bodies to modify rules to get things done. This is a time for pragmatism, not rules.
    ……
    Back in 2012
    there is no mechanism for what we are trying to achieve…” In other words, the people entrusted to run the national game in Scotland were making it up as they were going along.
    …
    Listen Ann. if they could make rules up then as they went along they can make rules up now as they go along.

  9. shug 9th April 2020 at 00:08

    ================================

    Those numbers are just made up.

    There is no split of prize money per division.

    There is a £25m prize pot for the SPFL and it is split amongst the 42 clubs based on their finishing position in the league. 

    The details are here

    https://spfl.co.uk/news/spfl-prize-pot-reaches-25m

    "The SPFL has announced that £25 million in league prize money will be paid to its 42 member clubs this season"

    "The £25 million league prize money is distributed according to the percentages set out below and is based on overall league standing at the end of the season."

    The top club gets 13.4%

    The bottom gets 0.18%

  10. Homunculus 9th April 2020 at 00:23

     

    1

     

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    Rate This

     

     

    shug 9th April 2020 at 00:08

    ================================

    Those numbers are just made up.

    There is no split of prize money per division.

    There is a £25m prize pot for the SPFL and it is split amongst the 42 clubs based on their finishing position in the league. 

    The details are here

    https://spfl.co.uk/news/spfl-prize-pot-reaches-25m

    "The SPFL has announced that £25 million in league prize money will be paid to its 42 member clubs this season"

    "The £25 million league prize money is distributed according to the percentages set out below and is based on overall league standing at the end of the season."

    The top club gets 13.4%

    The bottom gets 0.18%

    =================================

    I never said they were just pointing out the thoughts on the Celtic blog would also have posted a thought from follow follow but after you leave out all the disgusting words then there really isn't much left. 

    That was why I added you gotta laugh or maybe cry no one is interested in any other club but their own I of course include myself in that as well. Leeann Dempster says Hibs are happy to wait but I would not trust what she says as far as I could throw her.

     

  11. HirsutePursuit 8th April 2020 at 23:50

    When a club, or clubs, cannot complete its (or their) fixtures, the SPFL board can make any determination it considers appropriate in the circumstances. That specifically includes a determination of a scheduled Play Off Competition.

    ============================

    I think that the application of rule C50 isn’t appropriate n this circumstance. In fact I’m not sure that is applicable at all, unless you are a lawyer that is looking for loophole to justify the SPFL’s position.

    It is the SPFL that is proposing that Brechin cannot complete its fixtures and as a result has decided that it shouldn’t have to face a play-off.  It is not the club deciding that it can’t complete its fixtures and participate in the playoff, which is where C50 might come into play.

    The Highland League has already declared Brora as its champion, so we have one club already poised to participate, but will not be allowed to do so by the SPFL’s proposal not to submit any club to a play-off or other adjudication.  

    Simply put the SPFL has put the shutters up by declaring that it won’t participate in the play off competition, without the agreement of the other associations. 

    From today’s Press and Journal.

    https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/2135581/significant-disappointment-for-highland-league-over-spfls-plan-to-axe-play-offs/

    In response, the Highland League said: “The Highland League’s continued and acknowledged contribution to the development of the Scottish Football Pyramid would appear to be set aside in the search for a solution to the conundrums facing the SPFL. This is disappointing.

    “When the Highland League unanimously declared Brora Rangers the 2019-20 Highland League Champions, it also decided to offer continued support for the champion club to be given the opportunity to progress up the Pyramid. The proposal to deny Brora Rangers that opportunity for progression is disappointing and, doubtless, there will be similar feelings among members of the Lowland League.

    “Notwithstanding the recommended cancellation of play-offs, the Highland League does acknowledge that the SPFL proposal carries a reference to some form of restructuring for season 2020-21. That might offer the Champion club of both Highland and Lowland Leagues some comfort and a route for progression.

    “Be it some form of play-off or some form of restructuring which allows for a small increase in SPFL membership, the credibility of the Scottish Football Pyramid can but be enhanced by some imaginative decision-making and the Highland League stands ready to take part in that process.”

  12. Homunculus 9th April 2020 at 00:23

    shug 9th April 2020 at 00:08

    —

    Given TRFC's magnanimity and generosity of spirit towards the smaller clubs struggling with finance, surely they would support a reversal of those %ages, with the top club receiving 0.18% and the bottom 13.4%.

  14. In my simple way of thinking: for the SPL specifically, there are 2 very distinct – and very important issues – being lobbied;

    • resolution, in an agreed manner, of the current season

    &

    • potential league reconstruction, affecting the whole SPFL.

     

    They should not be conflated, IMO.

     

    Any SPFL reconstruction should NEVER be rushed, IMO, for any reason – as it sets a precedent, and could be seen to further diminish the integrity of the game, (I know).

    If in future years a TRFC or CFC was near to relegation – would another league reconstruction be rushed through?

     

    Obviously, self-interest is muddying the waters here WRT what the SPFL decides: yet another reason to have strong, capable leadership at Hampden to anticipate and navigate around potential blockers to ‘doing the right thing’ for the whole SPFL, both commercially and ethically.

     

    However, I am quietly confident that whatever Doncaster announces – every club and every supporter will be left confused and/or angry.  Guaranteed.

  15. shug 9th April 2020 at 00:42

    I wasn’t having a go at you, just the person who came up with this idea.

    If he or she wants to come up with nonsense like that they should at least get their basic facts right.

    Whatever team they support, or site / forum / blog they are posting on.

    If people want to talk about splitting the money evenly then it should be £25m split 42 ways. One league, one prize pot. However I don’t think that is fair as it does not in any way reflect how the money is earned.

    I also have serious issues about changing the rules of a competition (including the allocation of prizes) after the competition has started. People join a competition based on it’s rules, you should not then change those rules whilst it is still going on.

  16. Hope this is of benefit to some. I received it last night but felt unwilling to post until I spoke to my friend (who sent me this) direct. I spoke to him this morning and he said fine so here goes …… 

     "Presentations were given by a number of people".
    Maxwell SFA.

    UEFA told SFA they were looking at a couple of options
    Restarting European fixtures early June and domestic leagues later in June
    Looking at late June restart with European fixtures in July
    The issue with UEFA is that if they do not finish the CL then the pay-back fees are massive.
    UEFA have explicitly requested that no decision is made on Top league until after UEFA meeting on 23rd June.

    I think this is what has prompted the begging bowl from Rangers

    Docaster SPFL
    Focused on TV deals.
    BetFred deal with Premier Sports begins July.
    Sky Sports begins August.
    Letter from Govt to SFA saying NHS on emergency until 10th June.
    Player's should not train together before this time.
    Given teams have recently said it would require 6 weeks to be prepared then this would see season resume late July, early August. Not a viable option.
    UEFA have no control over player contracts and this lies with club/player/employment law. Though UEFA acknowledge windows need to change.

    Priority is to start new season on time.

    As above discussed average points. Hibs would move to 7 and St Johnstone to 6

    Any resolution needs 75% of vote in each league (9/12 in SPL)

    Summary is that top league will give the power to SPFL to call the league after UEFA meeting on 23rd of June.

    Restructuring came up but would be difficult.

     

  17. watcher 9th April 2020 at 13:09

    '…Hope this is of benefit to some…'

    $$$$$$$$$$$$$

    Thanks for that, watcher.

    I am a wee bit surprised that UEFA appear not to have indicated that they might be in a position to at least challenge any claim by broadcasters to refund of monies paid for broadcasting rights if games aren't played, using 'force majeure' argument, perhaps tied in with generous broadcasting deals for subsequent seasons?

    To the ordinary eye, it seems a matter of simple fact that circumstances have made it impossible for contracts to be met in full by any party, and that should be at least explored by all parties, in mutual self-interest in the longer term.

     

  18. John Clark 9th April 2020 at 13:31

    …

    To the ordinary eye, it seems a matter of simple fact that circumstances have made it impossible for contracts to be met in full by any party…

    ===================

    Absolutely, JC.

    And on the face of it, it would seem that UEFA wants to avoid the possibility of any refunds AND to avoid offering any discounts for next season, or future seasons.

    Hence, an impasse created by – and controlled by – UEFA.

    (Based on nothing but pure speculation, of course.)

  20. Re UEFA & refunds for TV rights: 

    Have the broadcasters paid all the monies due for this season’s UEFA CL & EL competitions? They don’t pay all the money up-front (or by the middle of March), surely? 

    (Incidentally, I wonder if some banks/finance companies are holding on to tranches of season-book money as a result of matches not being played?)

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