Raith Rovers seek rule clarification over Rangers request
Thursday 3 September 2015 21:30, UK
Raith Rovers have asked the SFA's compliance officer to consider if Rangers have breached the association's rules by asking for and securing the early release of a player from international duty.
The Ibrox club made a request on Monday for Ryan Hardie to return to Glasgow after the first of two U19 friendlies in Bulgaria - a 1-1 draw on Wednesday - so that he was available for Saturday's league game with Raith.
He was consequently given permission to leave the Scotland squad early and will look to add to his one substitute appearance for his club this season at the weekend.
Sky sources understand Raith's grievance stems from the fact they are unwilling to pay the money required for their own player in the touring pool, Craig Wighton, to come home too.
With Rangers having financed Hardie's return flights to Scotland, Raith think their opponents have been given an unfair advantage.
The SFA offered the Fife club the same opportunity to have him back sooner than planned immediately after Rangers made their own application through assistant manager David Weir.
But their decision not to accept the chance means the 18-year-old will not return from Bulgaria until Saturday and he therefore won't be back in time for the Championship fixture.
While Raith have not formally complained as such, they have asked SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan to consider the case.
A statement on their website read: "Raith Rovers has asked the Scottish FA's compliance officer to consider whether he agrees Rangers, through David Weir, have breached SFA articles and rules by requesting and securing the early release of its player Ryan Hardie from international duty with Scotland under-19s in Bulgaria for the sole reason he is then available to play against Raith Rovers.
"Raith Rovers also has an important player in the same squad, first team regular Craig Wighton, and Craig remains in Bulgaria and available for selection for Friday evening's match.
"He will fly home with the rest of the squad on Saturday afternoon. We are delighted Craig is receiving international recognition and whilst we are without his services for the crucial match with Rangers, our loss is Scotland's gain.
"Naturally we are concerned if there is any breach of article 82.1 and rules 56 & 57, this would - in these circumstances - result in an unfairness in terms of players available for selection for Saturday's match, which is to our disadvantage."
