SFL will consider any bid from SPL for media rights to Rangers matches

David Longmuir: Willing to consider an SPL bid for Rangers' rights.SNS Group

The Scottish Football League (SFL) is willing to consider any offer from the Scottish Premier League (SPL) for the rights to Rangers matches in the Irn-Bru Third Division this season.

SFL chief executive David Longmuir said the SPL would be treated like any other bidder should they choose to put forward an offer.

The issue of media contracts is reportedly hampering the Ibrox club's bid for membership of the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

Mr Longmuir told Press Association Sport: "We will look at the options we have on Monday and Tuesday. If the SPL happen to be one of the bidders we will assess that as well. They are at liberty to pitch to us as anyone else. I am comfortable that we will get there this week."

The SFL's media agents, IMG, have invited bids from interested parties with a Monday deadline and it is understood the SPL will be one of the bidders.

The possible stripping of titles is seen as another obstacle. Malcolm Murray, chairman of Rangers newco, said the club had already accepted a 12-month registration embargo from the governing body "under duress".

Before signing the membership agreement with the governing body, the Ibrox club reportedly want the SPL to drop their investigation into alleged dual contracts while the SPL are said to have their own concerns with regards to the SFL and Rangers' media rights.

Although broadcasters have made no comment about the matter, it is believed the £2m annual settlement paid by the top-flight clubs to the SFL could be under threat should Rangers' rights not be part of any deal. There has to be a five-way agreement between the SFA, SPL, SFL, Rangers oldco and Rangers newco before any deal is sanctioned.

Should they gain SFA membership, the Ibrox side are due to play their first match against Brechin in the Ramsdens Cup next weekend.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist insisted on Saturday that he would not accept the removal of any silverware from Ibrox.

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