Following the statement made yesterday by the administrators of Bradford Bulls, that a significant announcement is expected in the next 48 hours, the RFL has clarified its position on the current situation at the club “to avoid any confusion going forward”.
The RFL’s statement continues: “It is the role of the RFL to protect the interests of the game of Rugby League. We understand that a number of interested parties have made it clear that any interest in buying the club is contingent on the RFL transferring its leasehold interest in Odsal to that party at an unspecified value. Clearly this is not an asset of the club, and therefore not available to be sold by the administrator.
“However at every point in the process we have been clear that the RFL Board would consider entering into separate discussions with any party to purchase the RFL’s interest, provided that the offer was reflective of the inherent value of the asset and safeguarded Rugby League in Bradford. Whilst to date we have not received any substantive approach regarding our leasehold interest from any interested party, we remain open to such discussions.
“The RFL would also like to reiterate that when a club enters administration due to poor local management, it is only right and proper that it protects the integrity of the league to ensure other properly managed member clubs do not suffer a disadvantage, by applying a sporting sanction. The exact sanction depends upon whether an arrangement is made with the existing clubs creditors and if so the scale of such an arrangement. These are set out within the guidelines of the RFL’s Insolvency Policy and the maximum sanction is a 12 point deduction.
“Finally we would like to say to all supporters, players and staff of Bradford Bulls that we are pushing for, and hopeful of, a positive conclusion in the coming days and we will continue to work closely with the administrator to try to ensure that this is the case.”
