A chairmanship dispute is brewing at Rangers Football Club, with the team’s largest shareholder, Dave King, calling for an emergency meeting to decide who should succeed John Bennett as chairman. This move comes after King’s offer to return to the role was rebuffed by fellow directors. The dispute has sparked a heated debate among fans and stakeholders, with some arguing that King’s return would be a positive step for the club, while others believe that he should step aside and allow a new leader to take the helm.
King, who has been a major player in the club’s history, has a deep understanding of the team’s inner workings and has been credited with playing a key role in the club’s recovery from financial difficulties in the past. However, his return to the chairmanship has been met with skepticism by some, who believe that he may not have the best interests of the club at heart.
In a recent statement, King claimed that former manager Steven Gerrard did not want to leave Rangers to join Aston Villa when the Premier League club approached him in November 2021. This has sparked a heated debate among fans, with some arguing that Gerrard’s departure was a major blow to the team’s chances of success.
The Financial Implications of the Dispute
The chairmanship dispute at Rangers has significant financial implications for the club. With King’s return to the chairmanship, the club may be able to secure more lucrative sponsorship deals and increase revenue. However, if the dispute continues, it could harm the club’s reputation and deter potential investors.
According to a recent report, Rangers’ commercial revenue could increase to around £30m next season after agreeing two new deals. This includes an extension with the Kindred Group for the Unibet brand to continue as the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor, as well as a new partnership with Elior to become their food and beverage partner.
However, the club’s biggest-ever shirt sponsorship deal, which could be worth up to £3m per year, may not be enough to match the revenue generated by city rivals Celtic, who have enjoyed a significant boost in revenue due to their participation in the Champions League. Celtic’s success has also benefited other Scottish clubs, with Dundee, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Ross County, St Johnstone, and St Mirren each receiving £1.6m in solidarity payments.
The Impact on Scottish Football
The chairmanship dispute at Rangers has also sparked a debate about the state of Scottish football. With the club’s reputation on the line, some have argued that the dispute could harm the sport as a whole.
According to a recent report, the dispute could also have an impact on the Scottish Premiership. Hibernian, who are set to face Rangers at Ibrox on 29 September, have engaged the SPFL to clarify the away ticket allocation for the match.
Former Rangers and Scotland Under-21 striker Dapo Mebude has also been affected by the dispute. The 23-year-old is currently training with Dunfermline Athletic and has been given the chance to impress in the club’s reserve game against Falkirk next week.
The Role of VAR in Scottish Football
The chairmanship dispute at Rangers has also raised questions about the role of VAR in Scottish football. With VAR set to be used in several Scottish Premiership matches this season, some have argued that the technology could be used to improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions.
According to a recent report, only two of this weekend’s Scottish League Cup quarter-finals will have VAR in operation. The matches between Motherwell and Dundee United, and Aberdeen and Spartans, will not be using the technology.
The decision to use VAR in some matches but not others has sparked a debate about the consistency of refereeing decisions in Scottish football. Some have argued that the technology should be used in all matches to ensure fairness and accuracy.
The Impact on Aberdeen and St Johnstone
The chairmanship dispute at Rangers has also had an impact on other Scottish clubs, including Aberdeen and St Johnstone. Aberdeen midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen has revealed that he does not say much in the dressing room, but “gets crazy” when he comes on the field.
Manager Jimmy Thelin has also expressed his hopes that Aberdeen winger Topi Keskinen will benefit from playing for Finland against England.
Interim boss Andy Kirk, meanwhile, has expressed his interest in replacing Craig Levein as St Johnstone manager. Kirk aims to get Nicky Clark, who has been struggling to find form, scoring again for the club.
The Future of Rangers
The chairmanship dispute at Rangers has raised questions about the future of the club. With King’s return to the chairmanship on the line, some have argued that the club needs a new leader to take the helm.
According to a recent report, the club’s future depends on the outcome of the dispute. If King is successful in his bid to return to the chairmanship, the club may be able to secure more lucrative sponsorship deals and increase revenue.
However, if the dispute continues, it could harm the club’s reputation and deter potential investors. The club’s future is uncertain, and it remains to be seen what the outcome of the dispute will be.