Hibernian confirm they do not support call for review of Rangers' EBT use

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Easter RoadImage source, SNS

Hibernian have confirmed they do not want a review into Scottish football's handling of Rangers' use of EBTs.

The SPFL asked for a review after the Supreme Court found against Rangers for its use of the tax scheme.

The Scottish FA decided against a review, with Celtic insisting that is a "a failure in transparency, accountability and leadership".

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan defended that stance and Hibs have now backed the governing body.

The club's statement read:, external "During the past six years, the matter has been interrogated by the highest courts in the land, by the SFA, and by the SPFL. In recent weeks, both the SPFL and SFA have taken extensive legal advice which does not support or encourage taking further action.

"The lengthy and detailed explanation of the SPFL legal advice (26 July, 2017) makes clear that this matter has now been thoroughly examined by some of Scotland's keenest legal minds, and their opinion is that - given the rules which applied at that time - no additional sanctions could be retrospectively applied.

"Similar legal views have been obtained by the SFA. Both organisations have looked at the issue and at potential sanctions, and have received strong and clear legal advice.

"The SPFL - whilst accepting that no additional sanctions can be retrospectively applied - wants an independent review into how the issue was handled. The SFA has referred a specific aspect to its compliance officer. For all of these reasons, we also do not support the letter from the SPFL calling for a further independent review."

In the wake of Celtic's criticism of the SFA's stance, Regan revealed the Parkhead club are the only one to have contacted them calling for a review.

The Hibs statement continued: "Scottish football is finally emerging from a period of significant turbulence, which has damaged the sport, into a much more exciting future. While we know this is a divisive issue that will never be resolved to the satisfaction of all supporters, we cannot allow it to divert us from the future or to keep us mired in the past.

"It is the view of your Board that we should focus 100% on a brighter future for Hibernian, and for the game. All of our energy will be used trying to bring future success to our own club, and to working together to create a future that all of our supporters can be proud of, on and off the pitch."

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