The Scottish Premier League insists that its investigation into alleged undisclosed payments by Rangers is being 'actively pursued'.
Alleged undisclosed payments matter being 'actively pursued'
The Scottish Premier League insists that its investigation into alleged undisclosed payments by Rangers is being 'actively pursued'.
The SPL released a statement shortly before a TV documentary on the finances of the Ibrox outfit, which includes examination of the Employee Benefit Trusts the club used in an attempt to reduce their tax bill.
An SPL spokesperson said: "The investigation into the EBT payments made by Rangers FC is being actively pursued on behalf of the SPL.
"All relevant documents, materials and information have been sought from Rangers FC and we look forward to receiving full co-operation from the club and its administrators in providing everything that it and they have access to and which is required for the investigation to be completed."
Lawyers
The SPL launched its investigation into the matter on 5th March, with the probe covering the period stretching back to the competition's inception in 1998.
SPL rules prohibit payments to players that are not made "in accordance with a form of contract approved by the SPL".
The league instructed its lawyers, Glasgow firm Harper Macleod, to investigate the matter.
The use of EBT payments was the subject of a tax tribunal in January with the outcome still to be announced, but Rangers could be liable for a bill of up to £75million.
The club previously admitted liability to the tax authorities for a £2.8million scheme which benefited Tore Andre Flo and Ronald de Boer between 1999 and 2003, although they did not pay before going into administration in February over an unpaid tax bill of £13million.
Public record
Rangers' administrators, Duff and Phelps, later responded to the SPL statement.
Paul Clark, joint administrator, said: "The use of EBTs at Rangers goes back many years and was a matter of public record in the annual accounts.
"Our primary focus has been ensuring the survival of Rangers Football Club and attracting a new buyer for the business as well as investigating the financial situation at the club since the takeover in May 2011.
"We and the club will continue to give every assistance to the football authorities on issues affecting the club.
"It should, however, be noted that the First Tier Tax tribunal has yet to publish its findings in relation to the use of EBTs."
