RFL standing firm over Bradford offer

The RFL has rejected an amended offer from the ABC consortium to buy Bradford Bulls, re-affirming their stance over the conditions of the offer.

The governing body last week said that they were unwilling to accept any offer that would contain conditions relating to guarantees over the Super League future of the Bulls.

After an initial bid was turned down, the RFL has responded to an amendment to the offer to purchase the club from the administration by informing them that the nature of their offer remains “unacceptable.”

RFL Director of Standards and Licensing Blake Solly said: “Whilst we are encouraged by the continued interest in purchasing Bradford Bulls, it is disappointing that the ABC Consortium are still unable to submit an unconditional offer.

“We have been consistent and clear in that our position is we are unable to consider any offer which comes with strings attached.

“The position with Bradford Bulls is identical to that faced by Widnes Vikings and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, who were taken out of administration in 2007 and 2011, respectively, by new owners without any guarantee as to which competition they would be playing in.

“All enquirers have been informed that the RFL is only interested in receiving offers for Bradford Bulls which are free from any condition pertaining to competition membership or the re-acquisition of Odsal Stadium.

“The ABC Consortium have also been informed that any unconditional offer would also have to be accompanied by a detailed business plan, the identity of all material shareholders and proposed directors and the appropriate proof that the required levels of funding are in place.

“Unfortunately the ABC Consortium have been unable to supply any of the above information, leaving the RFL with no option but to deem the offer unacceptable.”

The RFL is continuing to speak to the club’s administrator following his request for an advance of remaining distributions to meet payroll on August 14.