Charlotte Fakeovers · @CharlotteFakes
17th Jul 2013 from TwitLonger
Neil Doncaster and Ralph Topping still continue to ignore my direct emails regarding the revised SPL TV Deal from November 2011.
I'm looking for clarification on a few points, nothing too much, just a simple explanation of how an important business decision was reached.
At the SPL meeting on 31 October 2011, Mr Doncaster taking a Q&A on the proposals regarding the BSkyB/ESPN deal stated that the only break clause in the new contract related to ESPN and their ability to secure English Premier League rights.
http://i.imgur.com/KrGoHxF.jpg
The meeting would also consider the proposal for Fans TV. Rod Petrie led the presentation. Further robust details would be given at the next meeting scheduled for 21 November 2011.
Shortly after the 31 October meeting, the SPL issued the following email to all SPL Clubs.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/154286304/SPL-Written-Resolutions-BSkyB-ESPN
It is very clear that the reason given for requesting approval rest upon the Fans TV proposal not being in a position to deliver on the revised date.
The written resolution failed to capture enough votes to proceed, therefore the scheduled meeting on 21 November 2011 would not take place to consider further.
This bombshell then left the CEO a little exposed. The real reasons for pushing the revised BSkyB/ESPN deal became apparent and documented below.
http://i.imgur.com/pznUeGe.jpg
The above extract is from the SPL minutes of the 21 November 2011 meeting. The concern appears to be that the Fans TV proposal wasn't a serious consideration by the Board. The reasons for such a dramatic turnaround of events, and in complete contradiction to Neil Doncasters note of 4 November 2011, is that new information affecting Scottish Football has come to light and this may jeopardise the BSkyB/ESPN proposals.
My interpretation of events is that Neil Doncaster knowingly misled the SPL. Did he act alone, or with the full blessing of Ralph Topping and the 4 other Board members?
I have also attempted to get in touch with the 4 other Board members at that time, namely Eric Riley (Celtic), Steven Brown (St Johnstone), Derek Weir (Motherwell) and Stephen Thompson (Dundee United), in order to determine the reasoning behind the decision to proceed. They have yet to acknowledge my correspondence.
Were they aware of the earlier communications discussing the future of Rangers FC?
http://i.imgur.com/Q80r7NK.jpg
As stated earlier, Doncaster and Topping have ignored all communications to date. BSkyB, despite initially claiming "business sensitive, therefore confidential" engaged a little further. They had the opportunity to deny statements attributed to them by Neil Doncaster which stated "BSkyB weren't overly impressed by the SPL product." I also took the opportunity for them to confirm if the 4 Celtic v Rangers clause existed, and if so, was this a BSkyB requirment.
Rather than decline to engage, BSkyB PR referred me back to the SPL, indicating they had authority to discuss. One may read whatever they wish into this referral and the subsequent lockdown by Neil Doncaster and others.