The Dark Side of Football and its Bad Advisers

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Those who have read my starting posts, must know that this blog offers analysis and critique on all sports law matters. We take no sides here, although a certain section of the footballing society in Glasgow may think otherwise. If you could read the posts carefully, you may realise that the analysis so far has been rather  critical, but fair and reasonable. Make no mistake: Justice is independent and it does not pay attention to club colour or misconceived perceptions about religion and/or politics.

I have heard several comments to the effect that a 'Celtic loving lawyer' cannot produce an independent opinion and his views are 'obviously' biased. Needless to say that such comments have no substance whatsoever, nor could they be argued with any kind of a compelling justification. But instead of looking at the 'Celtic-loving' population, let us consider the advice given to RFC, over the years, funded, probably, by money paid to the club by its fans. Some random examples may illustrate the point:

1. Purchase and sale of the club with dubious means and ways.
2. Allegations of improper funding.
3. Allegations of improper directorship.
4. Allegations of 'double contracts'.
5. Administration effect, half way through the championship season, when it should have been obvious from the beginning that the financial situation at the club resembled that of the Greek economy.
6. Because of 5 above, the club received a 10 point deduction, ending, effectively, every chance for RFC of retaining the title.
7. An Application to the Court of Session, which has the potential to completely 'destroy' the club and if the  SFA does not take the appropriate action, it may potentially damage the whole of Scottish football.

I do not need to go on, as the examples above are illustrative of the situation and they certainly do not  create euphoria. They lead me to the conclusion that if a 'Celtic-loving' adviser was in charge of Rangers, they would have never caused the amount of damage Rangers are experiencing at the moment. Despite this, I am also perplexed that Rangers decided to contest the 'transfer embargo' sanction, which under the circumstances, could only be characterised as a simple 'slap' on the face. The Appellate Tribunal was indeed cautious to apply a 'humanitarian' element in its decision, rather than one of 'extermination'. The 'transfer embargo' applied on Rangers would have brought the matter to a conclusion and it would have allowed Rangers to continue trading, with the hope to put their affairs in order within 2-3 years. Was the decision to seek redress before a national forum simple ignorance of the rules or an element of a hidden agenda?

Character references aside, it is not disputed that half-knowledge is a lot worse than not having knowledge at all. But the most dangerous consequence is when the actions of one, endanger the well-being of others. This reminds me of a story told about two neighbours [which could well characterise the mentality of certain nations around the globe]. One of the two neighbours was very prosperous. God gave him a goat and he was able to produce cheese and milk from the goat and he was, therefore, able to make a healthy living. The other neighbour had absolutely nothing. God felt sorry for him and asked him one day: "Would you like Me to give you a goat too so you could become as prosperous as your neighbour?" The man replied: "No thank You. I do not need a goat." God then said to him: "What would you like Me to do, to make you feel better?" The man replied: "I want You to take the neighbour's goat away from him"!!!

The conclusion is yours....

Dr. Gregory Ioannidis

5 June 2012

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