Celtic Board Accused of ‘Disingenuous’ Use of UEFA Rules

Celtic’s leadership has come under fire after finance expert Kieran Maguire dismissed their claim that UEFA regulations limited summer spending.

The criticism arrives on the same day supporters stage planned demonstrations against the club’s hierarchy during the Premiership clash with Kilmarnock.

Finance Expert Challenges Celtic’s Explanation

The Parkhead board faced questions following their end-of-window statement, which suggested Financial Fair Play restrictions had constrained transfer activity.

However, Maguire told the BBC that the claim did not stand up to scrutiny.

“Celtic’s statement does seem a little bit disingenuous. UEFA rules allow clubs to spend 70% of their revenues on player wages. Celtic currently spend around 53%.

“UEFA rules also allow you to take into consideration player sale profits and add those to revenue, so Celtic have an awful lot of headroom should they choose to spend more in terms of player recruitment and retention.”

The academic added that the statement’s timing and content appeared “very inconsistent with a detailed analysis of the figures.”

Supporters Mobilise

The reaction off the pitch has been just as pointed. Representatives from Supporters Associations, fan media and groups agreed midweek to co-ordinate a demonstration against the board. As part of the action, travelling fans at Rugby Park have been encouraged to stage a 12-minute late walk-in at the start of today’s fixture.

Organisers stressed that participation is optional, but the high-profile nature of the action has already attracted significant media attention, increasing pressure on Peter Lawwell, Dermot Desmond and Michael Nicholson.

Mounting Discontent

Celtic’s underwhelming transfer business is seen as the trigger, with frustration long brewing over a lack of clarity in the club’s long-term vision. The atmosphere is one of distrust, amplified by the contrast between the club’s strong financial standing and the perception of limited ambition in the player market.

Site Opinion

This latest row illustrates the widening gap between Celtic’s boardroom narrative and the supporters’ lived reality. By citing UEFA regulations, the board sought to provide a shield for their transfer inactivity. Yet the swift rebuttal from Maguire highlights that the explanation lacks substance. Combined with organised fan protests, the fallout creates an increasingly combustible environment.

For Celtic to regain stability, the leadership will need more than statements — it will require tangible action in recruitment and clearer communication of their ambitions.