Rangers appoint administrator over tax debts

Rangers were given until 3.30pm to appoint an administrator following legal debate at the Court of Session in Edinburgh .

The court was told the administrators would be Duff & Phelps.

On Tuesday, the Glasgow club lodged papers at the court signalling its intention to enter administration and said a final decision would be taken next week.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions are awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could cost it £75m.

Speaking at the Court of Session, HMRC’s legal representative, David Thomson, said the authority was keen to avoid the public perception, and the perception among Rangers’ creditors, that the administrator was too close to the club.

However, Rangers’ counsel, Roderick Dunlop QC, said Mr Thomson had put forward an “amorphous criticism” of Duff and Phelps, which he called “a respected firm”.

Following legal debate, HMRC accepted Duff and Phelps as administrators and their appointment was confirmed shortly before 3pm today.

The Ibrox side, one of the biggest and most influential clubs in Scotland, has now fallen 14 points behind leaders Celtic as a result of the decision.

Holyrood Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “This is obviously a concerning situation for everyone involved in Scottish football.

“Football is our national game and it is now for the administrators to take forward the process of assessing the business and securing an outcome in the best interests of the club, its staff, supporters and the game of football as a whole in Scotland.”

Speaking after the proceedings at the Court of Session, Mr Dunlop said: “It was agreed that HMRC would withdraw their petition and Duff and Phelps would be appointed as administrators.”

He also confirmed that Rangers had accepted liability for HMRC’s expenses drawing up the petition.