Sydney Super Cup promoters have filed legal action against Rangers that could see the Ibrox club pay £1.6 million in compensation, according to multiple reports in Australia. The Light Blues backed out of matches Down Under including one against rivals Celtic with the Hoops instead taking on Premier League side Everton.
Sporting events promoters TEG Live Pty Ltd and Left Field Live Pty Ltd filed the legal claim against Rangers in Federal Court at the end of last week. The organisers claim the Ibrox club wrongfully terminated an agreement that insisted the club would play "friendly matches" in Sydney against Celtic and Western Sydney Wanderers in November.
The clash between the Scottish Premier rivals was eagerly anticipated on the other side of the world as it would have been the first time the world-famous derby fixture had taken place outside Scotland. Court documents now claim Rangers provided a 72-page guideline manuscript to the promoters that the term Old Firm – owned by both Rangers and Celtic – should be used throughout the marketing campaign to reflect its “commercial value and importance”. Both parties were at odds between March 1 and March 15 about the use of the wordmark on a drafted joint media release. But this idea from the promoters did not go ahead due to Celtic refusing to some of the wordmark use.
After a media push and limited ticket release for the match, Rangers’ commercial and marketing director James Bisgrove issued a letter informing TEG and Left Field chief executives Geoff Jones and Bart Campbell of a breach in agreement referring back to stipulations around the wordmark which it alleged caused reputational damage and negative reaction from fans.
However, court documents obtained by media outlets Down Under reveal the co-promoters believe Rangers pulled out of the agreement due to “overwhelming negative reaction” from fans that a Glasgow derby would be played in Sydney and NOT due to the use of the wordmark. TEG and Left Field point to negative comments on Rangers’ Instagram announcing they would play in the Sydney Super Cup.
Comments included ‘#NoSydneyShameGame’, ‘Reverse this decision or face protest until the board are sacked’ and ‘Why would you even want to play your old firm rivals on the different side of the planet? …’. 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.
They are claiming around £1.6million in compensation, highlighting a clause in the agreement outlining the Rangers should play unless a ‘force majeure event’ should occur such as governmental action, pandemic or severe weather. The court documents also claim Rangers engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct contrary to Australian Consumer Law. Tickets went on sale March 18, and almost two weeks after, the co-promoters announced to fans that the team had withdrawn from playing the matches.
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.” It is the second legal disagreement within one week to emerge around Rangers. The Ibrox giants are also being sued by Elite Sportswear for £9.5million. Record Sport have contacted Rangers for comment.
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