Rangers Facing Potential Points Deduction After Guilty Verdict in Cash Card Firm Policy Breach
In a significant development for Scottish football, Rangers Football Club is reportedly at risk of a points deduction following a guilty verdict related to a breach of contract with fintech company Reputation Exchange PLC (REPX). The case, which has been unfolding in Scotland’s highest civil court, the Court of Session, centers on an aborted deal to produce customized payment cards for Rangers fans, with REPX claiming losses of up to £2 million. The verdict has sent shockwaves through the Ibrox faithful, raising concerns about the club’s standing in the Scottish Premiership and the broader implications for their 2024-25 season.
The dispute stems from a 2023 agreement between Rangers and REPX, a fintech firm specializing in co-branded prepaid and debit cards for sports teams and celebrities. According to court documents, REPX was tasked with developing a branded payment card for Rangers fans, a project that involved significant investment, including over £500,000 in design and development costs and an additional £120,000 paid directly to the club. The card was slated for launch in August 2023, but Rangers allegedly pulled the plug on the project, leaving REPX with substantial losses.
REPX, which has previously created similar products for Italian clubs like AC Milan and Torino, claims that Rangers breached the contract without justifiable cause. The company’s strategic report for 2023 detailed losses of £1.5 million, plus £500,000 in “aborted costs” and £20,000 for “wasted management time.” Backed by legal advice from Scottish counsel, REPX argued that Rangers’ decision to abandon the project constituted a clear violation of their agreement, entitling the firm to compensation.
The case was first filed at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in March 2025, just months after Rangers announced they were free of litigation claims for the first time in over a decade. A virtual hearing before Judge Lord Sandison on April 3, 2025, marked the initial proceedings, with a procedural hearing scheduled for May 2, 2025, to finalize arguments. While the exact sum REPX is seeking remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it could reach £2 million.
Recent reports indicate that Rangers have been found guilty of breaching the contract with REPX, a ruling that has placed the club in a precarious position. While the financial penalty is significant, the more pressing concern for Rangers supporters is the potential for a points deduction in the Scottish Premiership. The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has the authority to impose sporting sanctions for off-field breaches, particularly those involving financial misconduct or failure to honor commercial agreements.
Historical precedents suggest that Rangers could face a points deduction if the SPFL deems the breach severe enough. For instance, in 2012, Rangers were docked 10 points after entering administration due to financial mismanagement, a penalty that effectively handed the Scottish Premier League title to rivals Celtic. More recently, calls for points deductions have surfaced in Scottish football for various infractions, such as fan misconduct or breaches of COVID-19 protocols, though none were directly comparable to the current case.
The SPFL has yet to confirm whether a points deduction will be applied, but sources close to the league suggest that discussions are underway. The severity of the sanction could depend on the financial impact of the breach and Rangers’ cooperation in resolving the matter. A deduction of 5 to 10 points could significantly dent Rangers’ hopes of challenging Celtic for the Premiership title, especially given Celtic’s strong form under Brendan Rodgers in the 2024-25 season.
The news has sparked a firestorm of reactions from Rangers fans and football pundits, with many taking to social media platforms like X to express their frustration. Posts on X have highlighted the timing of the verdict, with one user stating, “Rangers can’t catch a break—first the pitch issues, now this cash card mess. A points deduction would be a disaster.” Others have criticized the club’s management, questioning how such a deal was mishandled. “How do you botch a contract like this and leave us open to a lawsuit? Shambles,” another fan posted.
Pundits have also weighed in, with some drawing parallels to Rangers’ turbulent financial past. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, a vocal critic of Rangers, took a swipe at the club on social media
