[ad_1]
Inverness Caledonian Thistle says it will count any independent “intimidation and threats” queries against them before SPFL’s April vote to end the lower league season.
A request from Rangers, backed by Hearts and Stranraer, for an investigation will be sent to clubs on Tuesday.
The Inverness Championship Club claims that SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster knew of the alleged behavior.
The SPFL did not comment when asked for a response.
Speaking to the Scottish BBC on the Sunday before the Championship club released their statementDoncaster said he had received no formal complaints of bullying.
However, he said he was told of “robust exchanges” about the distribution of payments between Championship clubs.
“That’s the kind of discussion you hope to continue,” Doncaster said. “That is what happens when you have these tough and tough businessmen involved in the game. That is completely different from someone filing a formal complaint or a complaint of bullying, and that has not happened.”
“I would encourage anyone who feels they have been intimidated by someone to come forward and report it. It will be investigated and treated appropriately.”
Doncaster also said that the SPFL had “absolutely” followed due process.
In response, Inverness said they interpreted the April 10 discussions as “threats and not robust conversations.”
The Highland club, which finished second in the Championship after the league was reduced, raised a number of concerns, including:
- The size of the 15-member panel set to discuss rebuilding the league, describing the collapse of the talks as “inevitable as it was depressing”
- The time allotted for clubs to consider the SPFL’s resolution to reduce leagues, stating that it was “presented as the only option” with clubs that actually vote under “financial duress”
- Dundee’s actions and the circumstances surrounding his belated and decisive change from a no vote to a yes vote, saying his conduct “raises serious questions.”
The Rangers’ application needs the backing of 32 of the other 41 SPFL clubs to pass and an investigation to be conducted.
The SPFL has already commissioned Deloitte auditors to investigate the circumstances of Dundee’s vote, which he found “no evidence of inappropriate behavior” by league officials and staff.
“Tuesday will bring forward the next stage in this process when all 42 clubs will vote again,” the Inverness statement said.
“This time with a direct resolution on: an independent investigation with perhaps the last chance to find out how and why things went so wrong from the start and who was responsible.”
“But rest assured that ICTFC will move forward regardless of how that vote goes. One thing is certain, regarding the SPFL’s governance and leadership, we all deserve better.”
