Rangers administration: SFA investigation ‘farcical’ says Craig Whyte

CRAIG Whyte has branded the SFA’s investigation into his conduct since taking over at Rangers as “farcical”, and has vowed to stay away when the hearing is reconvened at Hampden later this month.

Rangers have been charged with seven offences, including failing to abide by SFA regulations over the “fit and proper” person’s test. Whyte, ruled unfit by the SFA to be a club official, has been hit with two additional charges.

Whyte has been conspicuous by his absence from Glasgow since taking the Ibrox club into administration on 14 February and does not intend to appear at Hampden next week, as requested. He failed to show up at the national stadium last Friday for an SFA judiciary panel hearing. “Why would I come back to answer the SFA charges?” asked Whyte yesterday. “The process is farcical. They have delivered their verdict before the trial, so what is the point?”

There are two individual charges against Whyte. He is accused of breaching SFA rules 66, on bringing the game into disrepute, and 71, which demands club officials act in the best interests of football at all times and not in any manner which is improper. If Whyte is found guilty, he could face a maximum fine of £50,000 on both counts. The hearing will take place on 17, 18 and 20 April.