A group of Celtic fans have been working on the possibility of a Judicial Review of the SFA decision into the actions taken/not taken over the death of Rangers FC. After long and costly discussions with legal advisors and QCs many will be aware of the advice. For those who didn’t pick this up at the weekend the details are below;
Fans of many clubs were concerned by the SFA’s refusal to join with the SPFL in a review of the actions of both organisations over the last 10 years. Processes used by both organisations were clearly insufficient and rules were inadequate to properly deal with deliberate rule breaking, deception and financially irresponsible behaviour by at least one member club.
In response to the SFA’s refusal, a process was undertaken by fans to investigate whether a Judicial Review of that refusal was possible. A national firm of Solicitors was engaged, and they in turn instructed a prominent QC to provide opinion on the matter.
The Opinion , which we accept , is that the SFA were entitled to refuse the SPFL request . It is irrelevant whether this refusal was illogical , self serving or protectionist. There is not a case in law to force the SFA to comply with even a perfectly reasonable request which is in the best interests of the game in Scotland.
For the avoidance of doubt this advice was not in regards to , and does not apply to , the Res 12 issue which still sits with the compliance officer.
