Rage Online Blog
Friday, May 23, 2003
Falkirk have been denied promotion to the Scottish Premier League because they were unable to satisfy the SPL that they have primacy of tenancy at the Excelsior Stadium, which they share with Airdrie. According to the BBC web site Falkirk have no right of appeal to the SPL, but will examine other avenues of appeal.
Some have it that Falkirk's punishment is entirely apt because they have been flouting the rules for several seasons, allowing themselves to spend money to strengthen their squad while their rivals have had to fork out huge sums on ground redevelopments in order to comply with the rules. In fact Falkirk only avoided relegation from Division One last season because of a technicality, Airdrieonians going out of business because they couldn't afford to build a new ground.
However it has to be said that the primacy of tenancy rule is a ridiculous device, designed ostensibly to preserve the status quo, which is also how it's been used in Rugby Union in previous seasons to deny promotion to the likes of Rotherham.
Some have it that Falkirk's punishment is entirely apt because they have been flouting the rules for several seasons, allowing themselves to spend money to strengthen their squad while their rivals have had to fork out huge sums on ground redevelopments in order to comply with the rules. In fact Falkirk only avoided relegation from Division One last season because of a technicality, Airdrieonians going out of business because they couldn't afford to build a new ground.
However it has to be said that the primacy of tenancy rule is a ridiculous device, designed ostensibly to preserve the status quo, which is also how it's been used in Rugby Union in previous seasons to deny promotion to the likes of Rotherham.
# posted by Martin B @ 23.5.03 
