Incidents, Events & Controversies | About Celtic

Events

Through no fault of his own, Jorge Cadete was involved in one of the greatest controversies in Scottish Football history. Despite being signed prior to the transfer deadline, the S.F.A. deliberately delayed processing his registration in time for a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers at Hampden.

Following a complaint from Celtic chairman Fergus McCann, SFA chief Jim Farry was eventually relieved of his duties after being found guilty of deliberately holding back Jorge Cadete's registration by a committee of arbitration almost three years after the event.

In January 1997 in a crunch league match with Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, Cadete was yet again the victim of controversial action. The striker netted to make the game 2-2 but the linesman ruled the goal offside. Television evidence went on to prove the goal was in fact legitimate. Celtic went on to lose 3-1 thanks to a Jorg Albertz free kick and Erik Bo Andersen double for Rangers.

Cadete missed the following matches:

February
24th, Celtic 4-0 Partick Thistle, Premier Division

March
2nd, Celtic 4-0 Heart of Midlothian, Premier Division
10th, Celtic 2-1 Dundee United, Scottish Cup
17th, Rangers 1-1 Celtic, Premier Division
23rd, Motherwell 0-0 Celtic, Premier Division

April
7th, Rangers 2-1 Celtic, Scottish Cup

Timetable of events that led to Farry's downfall . . .

February 26, 1996

Valid registration form submitted by Celtic to the SFA plus valid contractual agreement between Celtic and Jorge Cadete. No objection at any stage taken by the SFA to the content of that form and the agreement. Since player registered with the Portuguese Football Association international clearance required under FIFA Regulations.
March 7, 1996
International Transfer Certificate (ITC) received, by fax, from Portuguese FA. Confirmed to Celtic by fax from SFA on March 8. No indication that SFA has any concerns with ITC.
March 12, 1996
Original of ITC received by post from Portuguese FA in identical terms to fax received on March 7. FIFA issue a fax to the SFA advising that the ITC was issued by the Portuguese FA under the instructions of FIFA so that the player could be registered in Scotland.
The SFA fail to process the registration of the player.
Had the SFA been following their usual procedure the registration of the player would have been given effect to from February 26, 1996.
March 12-23, 1996
Mr Farry regards the ITC received on March 7 and 12 as being invalid and will not register the player until Celtic have resolved a compensation dispute with Sporting Lisbon and the conditions which the SFA consider are attached to the ITC are removed. Celtic receive no communication advising why the SFA regard the ITC as invalid.
March 23, 1996
Celtic have entered into agreement with Sporting Lisbon and Jorge Cadete has separately entered into another agreement with Sporting Lisbon. Celtic have to
conclude a new agreement with the player. A second set of player registration papers are submitted by Celtic to the SFA incorporating a full professional application form and the new player agreement.
March 27, 1996
The SFA fax Celtic refusing to register on the basis of the application forms submitted on March 23, 1996 alleging that there is a clause in the player
agreement to which they take exception. A clause in substantially identical terms was included in the player agreement submitted on February 26, 1996 and no objection was taken at any time by the SFA to that same clause.
March 29, 1996
Fax received by the SFA from FIFA advising that the ITC was valid from March 7 and that the issue of any contractual dispute regarding the player status with Sporting Lisbon was irrelevant. The SFA Executive Committee meets, "deems" international clearance to have been granted, and requires the player agreement submitted on March 23 to be amended by deleting the clause objected to on March 27 and a further two clauses not objected to on March 27. Celtic are given no opportunity to make representations to the SFA executive regarding the position at, or prior to, the meeting on March 29.
During a telephone conversation between an officer of Celtic and Mr Farry, Celtic advised that they would be required to submit a third application form and player agreement with clauses deleted. According to the evidence given on behalf of Celtic, an agreement was reached during the course of that telephone conversation between Mr Farry and the officer of Celtic that the registration of the player would be given effect to on March 22 on the basis of the third form which would be submitted either later on March 29 or 30.
Mr Farry denies any such agreement. Celtic require registration by no later than March 23 in order to ensure that Jorge Cadete is available for selection to play in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final tie with Rangers on April 7. No evidence that SFA executive advised of this circumstance at meeting on March 29.
March 30, 1996
Third form and agreement submitted to SFA. Mr Farry refuses to register with effect from March 22, insists on amendments to the third player agreement, which are effected that day, and proceeds to effect the registration on March 30. Celtic accept the position because the Scottish Football League registration deadline expires on March 31 and if Celtic do not accept registration on March 30, Cadete will not be available to play in any league matches in Scotland for the remainder of the 1995/96 season.
March 30 to end of 1995/1996 Season
Cadete plays in all remaining games apart from cup semi-final tie on April 7. Celtic lose 2-1. Cadete, although fit, cannot play because of the date of his SFA registration.
1996/97 Season
Cadete scores 33 goals in 43 games.
October 7, 1997
FIFA write to the SFA, following SFA inquiry, advising the SFA that any conditions that may be attached to an ITC are to be regarded as null and void and that an ITC is required to be accepted as a valid ITC from the date specified on the ITC. In the case of Jorge Cadete this was March 7, 1996.
Celtic's Position
1. On the basis of the first valid application for registration, submitted on February 26, 1996, registration of Cadete should have been given effect from February 26, when international clearance by way of the ITC was received by the SFA on March 7.
2. On the basis of the second valid application form and player agreement submitted on March 23, 1996, Cadete should have been registered with effect from March 23, since the SFA were in receipt of a valid set of player registration documents and the ITC received on March 7.
3. On the basis of the agreement entered into by telephone on March 29, 1996, Jorge Cadete ought to have been registered with effect from March 22, 1996 on submission of the third application and player agreement on March 30.
4. The SFA have now accepted that as a consequence of failures on the part of James Farry Esq., the registration process was not carried out as it ought to have been and that the player ought to have been registered by no later than March 23, 1996, thereby enabling him to play in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers.

Articles

• Dominic Keane and Fergus McCann's letter to the SFA
  
• Jim Farry Suspended from SFA job
• Interview with Farry (1997)
• A Fall Guy named Farry (Scotsman, 2/3/1999)
  

Football: Celtic win Farry fight

David McKinney
Tuesday, 2 March 1999
(Independent)

JIM FARRY'S football career is effectively at an end after the Scottish Football Association chief executive was yesterday suspended over the Jorge Cadete affair. Celtic have claimed for three years that Farry delayed the processing of the transfer of the Portuguese player in time for the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers in 1996. Celtic lost the game 2-1, but yesterday they won the war against the most powerful figure in the Scottish game.

The SFA has offered Celtic a written apology as well as agreeing to pay compensation and meet Celtic's legal fees, and Fergus McCann, the Celtic chief executive, yesterday wasted little time in condemning the part played by Farry. "It has taken Celtic and its supporters three years to receive justice on the issue of the SFA's chief executive Jim Farry's failure to properly register Jorge Cadete.

"It is deplorable that a prominent member club should be disadvantaged in this way when on several occasions the SFA's chief executive had the opportunity to make the correct decision. Mr Farry's failure to properly and timeously register Jorge Cadete leaves the club in no other position than to ask for the office bearers of the SFA to recognise that Mr Farry's position is untenable. This case demonstrates clearly that Mr Farry cannot be allowed to hold and exercise such powerful authority."

The issue recently went to arbitration with the SFA admitting liability before proceedings could finish. Clearly angered by the whole situation, Celtic are demanding the dismissal of Farry, who has held the top job at the SFA since 1990 following 10 years as secretary of the Scottish League.

In the last nine years he has been frequently criticised for his dictatorial attitude which at times appeared out of tune with the ordinary supporter. He insisted on Scotland playing a European Championship qualifier on the day of the funeral of Princess Diana only to back down in the face of severe pressure and criticism.

Farry's motives for delaying the Cadete transfer remain unclear and although Celtic supporters will interpret his actions as indicating a pro-Rangers stance McCann refused to be drawn on the topic. "I'm not claiming there was malice but there was intent. There was a failure on his part despite the advice of Fifa and Celtic. This is a matter that goes beyond Celtic Football Club, it's a question of somebody who has failed to follow the rules of football."

McCann intends to hold discussions with the other clubs in the Scottish Premier League and his frustration with the powerbrokers at the SFA could prove the motive towards a shift of power towards the new body who would effectively run the elite body of Scottish football. In the meantime Farry has agreed to co-operate with an SFA investigation into his actions.

SFA boss suspended

Monday, March 1, 1999 Published at 18:53 GMT
(BBC)

The Scottish Football Association has suspended its Chief Executive, Jim Farry, in a row over the transfer of a Celtic player three years ago.

Mr Farry had vowed to carry on but the suspension was announced on Monday. He and Celtic Managing Director Fergus McCann are in dispute over Jorge Cadete's move to Parkhead three years ago. A statement read by SFA Vice-President John McBeth said: "The Scottish Football Association advises that the arbitration raised by Celtic against the SFA has been settled by the parties prior to completion of the arbitration.

"The settlement is in favour of Celtic. The SFA has issued a letter of apology to Celtic, will make payment of an undisclosed sum of compensation to Celtic and will make payment of Celtic's reasonable legal expenses in connection with the case. "The SFA also advises that its chief executive Jim Farry has been suspended on full pay. "Due to the legal nature of this matter, the SFA will not make further comment presently."

Celtic had said the SFA delayed the player's registration, leaving him ineligible to play in a cup tie against Rangers. The BBC's sports reporter Roddy Forsyth said: "The notion that a player was held out of a game against Rangers that Celtic ultimately lost is rather explosive." Mr Farry was adamant he would carry on working at the association's Park Gardens headquarters even if the inquiry, headed by John Murray QC, went against him. "I have absolutely no intention to resign. To say that is mischief making," he told the Daily Mail.

Cadete moved to Celtic in 1996 from Sporting Lisbon but was forced to miss a Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Rangers, which the Ibrox club won 2-1. Mr Farry has courted controversy during his career at the SFA helm and has survived several calls for his resignation. One of his most troubled passages involved the decision to sanction the playing of a Scotland World Cup qualifying match on the day of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. He said: "I have received notification from my employer that the SFA may require to carry out an additional investigation of certain issues arising from the dispute between Celtic and the SFA. "I indicated I would be pleased to co-operate with any such additional investigation which will be the third review since the player was registered for Celtic on March 30 1996. "It is normal, I understand - although it is a first for me - that when an employer notifies you of a suspension pending the outcome of a proposed investigation, it is nice to comply."

Farry sacked by SFA

Monday, March 8, 1999 Published at 16:08 GMT
(BBC)


Jim Farry has been sacked as chief executive of the Scottish Football Association for "gross misconduct".

Farry's nine-year term was ended following a complaint from Celtic over the registration of Jorge Cadete three years ago. He was suspended last week and his fate was decided at a meeting the SFA Council on Monday.

Farry insisted he had done nothing wrong and had said he would not be resigning from his job. He is now considering legal action. SFA president Jack McGinn has been named acting chief executive pending the appointment of Farry's successor. Celtic 'satisfied' The move follows an independent commission ruling in favour of Celtic last week after the Parkhead club protested at the delay in registering Cadete.

The Portuguese forward missed vital matches towards the end of the 1995/6 season sparking a bitter dispute. The decision will delight Celtic managing director Fergus McCann who had demanded Farry be sacked for his role in the affair. Celtic released a short statement in response to Farry's dismissal making it clear they were satisfied with the outcome. It said: "No-one likes to see anyone lose their job. However, in this circumstance it was inevitable due to the substantial evidence of Mr Farry's behaviour and attitude." Farry issued a short response after the announcement, saying: "I will now be forced to seek legal advice. I can make no comment beyond that." It is understood that Farry had requested to attend the SFA Council meeting but received no answer.

'A lot to think about' SFA council member Hugh Scott, owner and chairman of Greenock Morton, said: "It is always disappointing to see someone of that quality no longer fulfilling that function.

"I would think that we have confidence in the office bearers to make sure natural justice is dispensed. "We must always remember that the president and vice-president are very capable of running the SFA. "I think the answer is that we all have a lot to think about and we all have to be comfortable with what we have heard and seen, and I have a high regard of what we have seen and heard."

Statement from the SFA

The Herald 09/03/1999

THE Scottish Football Association advises that, following the suspension on full pay of its chief executive, Mr James Farry, the decision has been taken to dismiss Mr Farry immediately for gross misconduct.

Pending the appointment of a new chief executive/secretary, the president of the association, Mr Jack McGinn, has been appointed acting chief executive.

A detailed report from the SFA's external lawyers was received by the Association last Thursday, March 4.

The report related to matters arising from the recent arbitration with Celtic FC, relating to the registration of Jorge Cadete.

The Emergency Committee, comprising the SFA's office-bearers, considered the report on Friday, March 5, and decided to request the views of the executive committee, given the policy issues involved.

The executive committee, after detailed consideration of the report and having received further legal advice, unanimously recommended that Mr Farry be dismissed from the SFA immediately.

The emergency committee effected the recommendation on Friday evening.

Council was appraised today of the situation, viewed the report, and detailed discussion took place.

The reasons for Mr Farry's dismissal result from his acts and omissions during the Cadete affair, including his conduct during:

(i) the period of the investigation of the registration by an SFA sub-committee;
(ii) the preparation of the SFA's case for the arbitration;
(iii) his testimony during the arbitration; and
(iv) the period since his suspension on February 26.

The SFA does not intend to make further comment on the reasons for Mr Farry's dismissal for reasons of confidentiality.

In relation to the Cadete affair itself, approximately 110 documents were produced by the SFA and Celtic, 13 witnesses in total would have given evidence, and there had already been five days of evidence, which was scheduled to last at least a further three days with legal submissions to follow.

The SFA has made the most strenuous efforts to keep matters confidential throughout, first to comply with the rules of confidentiality in the arbitration, and thereafter in fairness to Mr Farry.

The SFA wishes to make the following comments:

(i) The SFA decided to settle the arbitration prior to the conclusion of Mr Farry's evidence, following very strong advice and recommendations from its external legal team;
(ii) Mr Farry was immediately advised of the decision to settle and, indeed, agreed with the decision. He did not, however, agree with the terms of the letter of apology to Celtic;
(iii) Attempts were made by the SFA's legal team to have Mr Cadete himself testify on their behalf. However, Mr Cadete refused to come to Glasgow.

In light of recent events, the SFA will, of course, undertake a thorough review of its registration procedures.

For information, the SFA processes around 47,000 player registrations per year at all levels of football, and this has been an isolated case.

It has been a very difficult period for the association and the recent events should not be allowed to cloud the work which Mr Farry has undertaken on behalf of the association and, indeed, Scottish football.

There are many positive things which can be attributed to Mr Farry over these years which should not be forgotten.