Rangers could be facing legal action over their withdrawal from the Sydney Super Cup to the tune of £1.6m according to reports in Australia.
The Ibrox side were initially set to face bitter rivals Celtic down under in a 'friendly' match before fan backlash turned sour on the announcement, with Ange Postecoglou's men enjoying the tournament as a 'homecoming' for the Hoops boss. Rangers were then replaced by English Premier League side Everton, but it now appears that the Gers could be sued as Sporting events promoters TEG Live Pty Ltd and Left Field Live Pty Ltd filed the claim against The Rangers FC in Federal Court on Friday.
They claim Rangers 'wrongfully terminated' an agreement that stipulated the club would play ‘friendly matches' this month and that it was fan backlash on social media that drove the decision, not a squabble over the use of the trademark 'Old Firm' which occurred in March.
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The promoters claim they suffered loss and damage following the wrongful termination with Destination NSW reducing their core funding by £840,000 and loss of ticket sales as well as prices of marketing. The Daily Telegraph say £1.6m in compensation is being sought as a clause in the agreement outlined that Rangers should play unless a ‘force majeure event’ should occur such as governmental action, pandemic or severe weather.
But now it appears the Light Blues plan to fight the action, with the Rangers Review reporting that a countersuit is being planned as the Gers feel there is a 'loss of potential earnings' that could have been made from the trip to Australia.
The promoters’ statement from earlier this year read: “In changing their minds, the Rangers board has let down many, many fans in Australia and the Asian region. We will now consult with our stakeholders before determining our response.”
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