Mandaric denies Rangers interest

Sheffield Wednesday chairman Milan Mandaric has denied having any interest in becoming involved with Scottish champions Rangers.

Mandaric moved quickly to dismiss reports circulating in Scotland linking him with Rangers, who entered administration earlier this week.

In a statement released on Wednesday's official website, Mandaric, 73, stressed he had "no interest, now or in the future" in the Scottish outfit.

The full statement read: "I am aware and shocked at the media reports today linking my name to an inquiry over the potential purchase of Glasgow Rangers Football Club.

"First and foremost, I can categorically deny that there is any substance to these stories and I am disappointed that such articles are printed without any foundation whatsoever.

"I have never had any dialogue or contact to anyone relating to Glasgow Rangers. Glasgow Rangers is a huge football club with a great heritage and history, but I already have that here at Sheffield Wednesday.

"For clarity, I have not instructed any of my associates to register an interest in the administration process at Glasgow Rangers and I have no interest, now or in the future, of becoming involved in the club."

Rangers were forced into administration over an unpaid tax bill of £9million, accrued since owner Craig Whyte took over in May last year, and only confirmed after the event. Administrators revealed on Thursday that a £24million loan from Ticketus, secured by future season ticket sales, appeared to have gone into the account of a parent company.

Joint administrator David Whitehouse said: "Our understanding is the funds from Ticketus didn't come through the company's accounts so we haven't got visibility on that and that's what we are trying to get."

Asked if he was concerned, he replied: "Yes. All financing of the business will be subject to proper investigation."