England

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore: Celtic & Rangers Will Never Join Premier League

Scudamore rejects proposal to allow Old Firm join England's top flight.

Nov 12, 2009 5:26:17 PM

Richard Scudamore, Premier League Chief Executive (PA)

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Richard Scudamore, Premier League Chief Executive (PA)

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The proposal to transform the landscape of England's top division into a two-tier system that incorporates Scottish duo Rangers and Celtic is a notion vehemently opposed by Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, who claims the two teams will "never" be allowed to join the league.

Scudamore informed Sky Sports News of his comments after a meeting between chairmen of Premier League clubs today that was organised to discuss Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside's proposal.

He said: "There is nothing to say other than what it is in the official statement. The clubs have discussed it as part of strategic development, but as far as Rangers and Celtic are concerned - it's a non-starter."

When asked to reiterate his statement, Scudamore said: "No means never."

The Premier League's official release read: "Bolton Wanderers submitted a discussion paper detailing ideas concerning the restructuring of the Premier League into two tiers with the inclusion of Celtic and Rangers.

"The clubs welcomed the additional input in to an ongoing process, however they were of the opinion that bringing Celtic and Rangers into any form of Premier League set-up was not desirable or viable."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK