RFL unable to accept conditional Bulls bid

The RFL is continuing to assess the details of a modified offer to buy struggling Bradford.

The Bulls have been in administration for the past month, and were this week deducted six points from their Super League points total.

Although a second party had expressed an interest, the offer has been submitted by the same business consortium who had an original offer rejected earlier because of conditions attached, believed to be a guarantee of Bradford’s place in the top flight.

The RFL have re-iterated their stance that they are unable to consider conditional offers.

RFL Director of Standards and Licensing Blake Solly said: “We have received details of an updated offer to the administrator of Bradford Bulls and will respond to the administrator in due course.

“Throughout this process the RFL has to recognise its responsibility to safeguard the best interests of the wider game, the competitions and all member clubs.

“We understand that the protracted nature of the dialogue and the perceived lack of transparency are a source of frustration for many people but these matters are extremely complex and it is imperative that confidentiality and integrity are maintained throughout this process.”

Details of a possible second bid for the Bulls, believed to involve former Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, have emerged in the past few days.

Last year, it was reported that a conditional offer to buy Wakefield out of administration was rejected, which resulted in the said party pulling out of the running for the club. The Wildcats were later taken over by Andrew Glover.