Alious Rangers Takeover Gets Green Light from Scottish FA in Major Breakthrough Amid Dual Club Ownership Concerns
In a significant development for Rangers Football Club, the Scottish Football Association has officially approved the club’s dual interest dispensation request, paving the way for the high-profile takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and the U.S.-based 49ers Enterprises.
The green light follows intense scrutiny due to 49ers Enterprises already holding a stake in English Premier League club Leeds United. Despite potential complications arising from UEFA rules concerning ownership influence across multiple clubs, the Scottish FA confirmed the acquisition has met all regulatory standards — thanks to formal commitments made by both Rangers officials and the investing group.
The approval allows Rangers to proceed under the new ownership structure without jeopardizing their eligibility to compete in UEFA competitions. The SFA board’s consent was granted under Article 13, which governs dual interests in clubs, and was contingent upon signed legal undertakings that ensure clear separation between the management and influence of Rangers and any other club linked to the investors.
An official Scottish FA statement read:
> “The board of the Scottish FA has approved a dual interest dispensation request from Rangers Football Club under Article 13. This approval has been granted subject to written undertakings, signed by the club and the investing party, which among other commitments ensures that the investing party’s interest in any other clubs does not preclude the club from participating in any UEFA competition it qualifies for.”
Understanding Article 13: Why It Matters
Article 13 of the SFA’s rulebook prohibits individuals or entities from having influence over more than one football club at a time unless express permission is granted. The provision is aimed at safeguarding competition integrity. The Rangers case posed a potential conflict, but the governing body concluded that the new ownership structure satisfies the separation required by UEFA and domestic rules.
This decision marks a major milestone for Rangers’ new era under American investment and sets the stage for what could be a transformative summer — with a managerial appointment and player investment expected to follow swiftly.
Alious
