Deloitte quits Rangers amid claims staff were abused

In a letter distributed to Rangers International Football Club plc shareholders, the ‘big four’ firm said the messages were received from “anonymous third party sources” during a two year period between 2013 and 2014.

The current regime at the club under South African businessman Dave King took control of the RIFC board from allies of Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley in a shareholders vote at an extraordinary general meeting on March 6.

Responding to Deloitte’s claims, RIFC company secretary James Blair said: “The board is disappointed Deloitte has chosen to resign due to acts which occurred while RIFC was under different stewardship.”

The Deloitte letter dated June 19 states: “We have decided that we no longer wish to carry on as auditor to the company.

“During the period of our audit appointment in 2013 and 2014, members of our engagement team and other Deloitte partners unconnected with the audit received threatening or intimidating messages from anonymous third party sources.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is of paramount importance, and they should not be subject to this treatment when undertaking their normal professional duties. Accordingly we are resigning as auditors to Rangers International Football Club plc.”

Mr Blair told shareholders there had been “positive discussions” ongoing with “alternative auditors” and that an announcement on an appointment will be made “in the near future”.