Raith Rovers take legal action to protect promotion from League One

With member clubs deciding not to vote on league reconstruction, the Edinburgh and Glasgow sides have taken legal action after both face being relegated, from the Premiership and Championship respectively.

Now Rovers, who won promotion from League One, have released a joint statement along with the champions of the Championship, Dundee United, and League Two winners Cover Rangers which says they will “robustly defend our position” if the legal action by the Jambos and Thistle threatens their promotion.

The statement in full reads: “On Wednesday 17th June, 2020 Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers were served with a petition lodged in the Court of Session by fellow SPFL member clubs, Heart of Midlothian and Partick Thistle which, if successful, could prevent our clubs’ promotions, and potentially have catastrophic financial implications for every SPFL member club as well.

“Whilst we are extremely unhappy that we have been drawn into this legal action, we can confirm that we immediately instructed external lawyers to act on our behalf and to protect our clubs’ interests.

“Since the SPFL resolution was passed by 81 per cent of member clubs on 15th April, 2020, which confirmed us all as title winners who were to be promoted, we have undertaken extensive and costly preparations for a new season in new leagues, including obtaining major financial commitments from our supporters, business partners and stakeholders.

“Our removal from those leagues would be ruinous on and off the field.

“We have each had a highly successful season, brought to a premature end by something bigger than our clubs and bigger than our sport.

“Our status as champions of our respective leagues is not being contested, and nor should the promotion which has always, and should always, come with it.

“The legal action that has been raised by Heart of Midlothian and Partick Thistle not only threatens the financial stability of the SPFL, but also its individual member clubs.

“For all of these reasons, we must and will robustly defend our position.

“As legal proceedings are now underway, we intend to make no further comment on the matter at this time.”