RFL provide clarity over IMG votes as two clubs change their votes
SALFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: A general view inside the stadium prior to the Betfred Challenge Cup match between Salford Red Devils and Widnes Vikings at AJ Bell Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Salford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The Rugby League Council, the sport’s decision-making body which comprises representatives from all three professional competitions and the community game, have today voted in favour of Club Grading – the first recommendation from IMG, the sport’s long term strategic partner, as part of the Reimagining Rugby League strategy.
In a Special General Meeting in Huddersfield, the Yorkshire town where the rebel rugby code was formed as the Northern Union in 1895, the recommendations were supported by a majority of clubs in each of the three professional competitions, and received unanimous support from the community game.
There was some confusion around the voting however.
Initially, the voting appeared as follows;
Ten of the 11 Betfred Super League clubs voted in favour, with one absention. (The 12th club, Catalans Dragons, were not entitled to vote).
Eight of the 13 Betfred Championship clubs voted in favour, with one absention. (The 14th club, Toulouse Olympique, were not entitled to vote)
Seven of the 11 Betfred League One clubs voted in favour, with one absention.
The total number of votes in favour was therefore 32, with seven opposed, and three abstentions.
However, according to the RFL, 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%.