RFL Statement on the #BradfordBulls

The RFL Board, chaired by Simon Johnson, has reviewed both the chronology of the purchase of the head lease of Odsal stadium in 2011, and of the three historic insolvency events at Bradford Bulls.

Simon Johnson, RFL Chair: “The Board has received and reviewed a detailed chronology of decisions relating to both the purchase of Odsal, and the three administrations at the Bradford club since 2011.

“The Board consists of a majority of independent directors, none of whom were in post in 2011. Our independent and objective conclusion is that on the basis of the detailed chronology, the decision to purchase the head lease of Odsal stadium in 2011 was reasonable; professional advice was sought and taken; and the decision was communicated to the RFL Council.

“Odsal is currently mothballed, following the decision by Bradford Bulls to leave. The Board is working with the club to ensure that a return to the stadium in 2021 remains an option; whilst continuing positive discussions with Bradford City Council on a Development plan for the site; and exploring options around the sale of the Governing Body’s interest in the stadium.

“The Board has acted in the best interests of the game when making decisions relating to the approval of purchasers following insolvency events, and decisions have been taken in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations.”

The Board also discussed the recent transfer of ownership of the Bradford Bulls, following the sale of shares from the previous owner to new owners, which required and received Board approval.

Simon Johnson: “The recent approval of a transfer of ownership of the club includes a minority shareholder with interests in another rugby league club. This is fully in accordance with the current Rules and Regulations relating to the ownership of clubs which was discussed and received by clubs, most recently in May of this year.”

Which I interpret this as "Despite putting in situ 3 successive sets of unfit owners (having overlooked Marwan Koucash who has proven himself to be a more than suitable owner of a RL club) the 3 Administrations are not a result of our decision making. Furthermore, we are part of the vultures circling over Odsal should the Bulls not return and we are very happy that the current owner, formerly one of our own, will not be able to provide sufficient finance to save them as a going concern"

Not exactly an 'independent' review though is it?

RFL statement is the twaddle we expected. Time for action.

Those RFL's are getting so independent lately .

This I find the most heartbreaking of all. an independent investigation over the last 10 years and the RFLs involvement is needed and this wasn’t that. Hopefully the growing mumble from other clubs about the matter will prompt a proper investigation

Another joke that the genuine Bradford fans really don’t need, more messing about by tinkers and meddlers with the wrong reasons behind getting involved.

Good luck, I think you will need it, similar to us to be honest, hopefully we’ve got some right minded people involved this time.

With respect please get in touch with the real RL world.

You say, and we quote:

"Hopefully the growing mumble from other clubs about the matter will prompt a proper investigation"

The other clubs are for the main part stuck between a rock and a hard place. They may occasionally mumble dissent, but they never meaningfully put their collective heads above the parapet. The same (apart from Bower. the Press Association's RL lead, and to a lesser degree, Gledhill) can sadly be said of our generally hapless RL journalists.

Why is this? Because the clubs, in particular the Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs, are beholden to their allegedly bent Governing Body and moreover it would take one hell a brave club to bite the hand that feeds - the RFL do after all distribute the central funding entitlements. We should expect better from the now more 'independent' SL clubs, but even they are first and foremost driven by selfish intent and greed.

So in summary you can forget the Tier 1-3 clubs raising any form of formal grievance against the RFL in respect of what's happened to the Bulls post late 2011.

Moreover, the RFL are also allegedly screwing the grassroots game and Sport England's multi million pound annual grants are not reaching down to the amateur game who are the live blood of our game, and our future.

So where does that leave the pooped upon RL family?

Either screwed for ever and a day, or something meaningful needs to be done, and soon.

Some, if not many on here may (still) think we are idiots, but as we have said time and time again .... watch this space.

“The Board has acted in the best interests of the game when making decisions relating to the approval of purchasers following insolvency events, and decisions have been taken in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations.”


I can’t be the only one who’s picked up on the language used in this statement

At no point do they say they have investigated why certain prospective buyers were rejected.
No investigation into the reasons why people rescinded their bids. Were restrictive conditions attached that made it impossible for them to continue?

Only says the RFL investigated the actual takeovers

Anyone who has listened to the Yes Minister series on radio or watched it on TV will recognise bureaucratic doublespeak!