By Paul Marshall
July 2 2003

Falkirk have appealed to the Office of Fair Trading to investigate the SPL's process for admitting new entrants. Despite winning the First Division Falkirk were told they would not be promoted to the top flight since their ground did not meet the SPL criteria. The ' Bairns ' have since lost appeals with the SPL and the SFA and have now called on the Office of Fair Trading to review the case.



Falkirk have given up hope of playing in the top flight next season but hope the OFT can make the SPL change the criteria in the coming seasons. Falkirk chairman Cambell Christie told the BBC " We have no quarrel with the way the SFA conducted the appeal," said Falkirk chairman Campbell Christie. "



" But we were denied the opportunity to raise some fundamental issues which we believe are very pertinent. "



" We have considered a number of legal options and we have decided that the best interests of the club will be served by asking the Office of Fair Trading to conduct a full investigation. "



" We believe that a lack of transparency and flexibility conspire against proper administration in Scottish football. "



" By taking the OFT route, we will avoid the continuing uncertainty about next season for either Falkirk or Motherwell and there will be no cause for re-arranging fixtures that would be disruptive to Scottish football. "



" It is a longer term action that could demonstrate we have been wrongly treated, and, therefore, commercially disadvantaged and able to seek an appropriate remedy. "



" We believe that it is in the best interests of Scottish football, particularly for clubs aspiring to play in the SPL, that there is an independent investigation into how the SPL conducts its affairs. "



This is great news to the Motherwell fans now they know they WILL be playing SPL football next season.