Connect with us

Super League

Complete breakdown of IMG votes

Rugby league clubs have voted in favour of the IMG proposals today.

Many will want to know who voted for what and there here is a break down of how each league voted.

Initially it was said that ten of the 11 Betfred Super League clubs voted in favour, with one abstention. (The 12thclub, Catalans Dragons, were not entitled to vote).

However, it has now been confirmed that Salford’s abstention was down to a misunderstanding during the vote and that they are fully in support.

So, there is 100% support for the changes from Super League clubs.

Eight of the 13 Betfred Championship clubs voted in favour, with one abstention. (The 14thclub, Toulouse Olympique, were not entitled to vote). Four clubs voted against.

Seven of the 11 Betfred League One clubs voted in favour, with one abstention. Three clubs voted against.

The total number of votes in favour was therefore 32, with seven opposed, and three abstentions.

Under the weighting system for Council votes which ensures an equal weight for Super League clubs on the one hand, and Championship / League One on the other, there was an 86%-14% result.

After the meeting, two clubs – Salford Red Devils and London Skolars – indicated that they wished their recorded vote to be amended.

Salford had abstained but on a misunderstanding of the nature of the vote – and indicated that they had intended to vote in favour.

London Skolars had voted against, but indicated that they did so in error, and intended to abstain.

RFL constitutional rules stipulate that the votes cannot be changed after being recorded – but a note has been added to the minutes to record these comments.

They would have changed the votes as follows:

Super League – unanimous support from the 11 clubs eligible to vote;

League One – seven in favour, two against and two abstentions;

Total – 33 in favour, six against, three abstentions;

Weighted vote – passed by 88%-12%.

“We thank the team at IMG for the detailed and dedicated work that underpinned this recommendation. Our own teams at the RFL and RL Commercial will continue to work with IMG and other parts of the Endeavor organisation, notably Seven League and 160over90, to advance the other six recommendations included in Reimagining Rugby League.

“In terms of Club Grading, it is important to stress again that there will be no changes to the existing arrangements for promotion and relegation this season.

“In the closing stages of the season this autumn, illustrative gradings for all clubs will be published, providing all with a clear idea of where they stand, with 12 months until the gradings are updated to determine membership of the top tier competition in 2025. We will also continue to work with clubs to develop the Minimum Standards that will sit alongside the Grading Criteria and continue to consult with Council.

“It is also important to reinforce that this outcome, whilst being crucial to the future growth of the sport, is only the first step. Work is currently underway to further develop the domestic calendar for 2024, deliver certainty to the international calendar and continue the digital transformation within Rugby League that will continue to lay the foundations for a greater return from the sport’s assets in the future.”

Matt Dwyer, Vice President of Sport Management, IMG Media, said:

“We greatly appreciate all the clubs’ input and support during this process. While there is naturally no one set of recommendations that will suit everyone, we strongly believe that club grading, as part of the wider Reimagining Rugby League strategy, is essential to ensure sustainable growth of the game as a whole, and are pleased to see that such a strong majority of clubs agree.

“This is a positive milestone for the future of the sport and we are excited to continue driving progression in other areas over the coming months, including through our work with Seven League on digital transformation and 160over90 on branding.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Super League