Falkirk reveal strong stance against Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers over reports of cash request for legal costs

The promoted trio have incurred costs of over £50,000 to defend against Hearts and Partick Thistle’s SPFL legal challenge

Falkirk will turn down any approach from Dundee United, Raith Rovers Cove Rangers to help with the clubs’ legal costs.

It was reported by the BBC that the promoted trio have asked SPFL member clubs to help towards the increasing costs of the case which is now set to go before an independent tribunal next week.

Following a court of session hearing last week, Lord Alistair Clark QC referred Hearts and Partick Thistle’s challenge against the SPFL over their relegation to the Scottish FA’s arbitration process.

Falkirk reacted to reports of request from promoted trio to help with legal costs. Picture: SNS

It turn, United, Raith and Cove have paid out a hefty amount in legal fees after being named in the petition.

The Tannadice club revealed: “Together with Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers we have already incurred over £50,000 in legal costs and these costs could escalate to over £150,000 by the time arbitration concludes.”

The BBC report they have requested Premiership clubs to pledge £5,000 each, £2,000 from Championship sides, with League One and Two clubs asked for £1,000.

It led to Falkirk being contacted by fans concerned that the club would agree to the request.

The Bairns were one of the biggest losers from the SPFL’s termination vote on the 2019/20 season and subsequent league reconstruction failure. They finished one point behind Raith Rovers at the top of League One.

Using the points per game system which was used to determine the final placings, they missed out on promotion by 0.03 points.

Falkirk reassured fans on social media that they had not been asked and made it clear where they stand if they were to be approached.

The club said: “Falkirk Football Club wish to reassure supporters that we have not received an approach from representatives of Dundee United, Raith Rovers or Cove Rangers asking for financial support for their legal costs. If such a request is received, it will be refused immediately.”

The promoted trio had planned to use a crowdfunding page to help towards costs. Instead they have endorsed the fundraising efforts of two Dundee United fans who plan to walk from Tannadice to Tynecastle Park on Saturday, 18 July.

The pair have so far raised more than £24,000.