Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been caught up in a controversial row over the purchase of several non-league grounds by a Singapore-based investment company – with Gerrard’s Academy due to move into one of the grounds later this year.
Irama Sport’s purchase of a number of stadiums has raised eyebrows recently and reached a new low when Isthmian League side Whyteleafe FC announced they had to withdraw from the league due to a failure to agree a lease with Irama.
Gerrard, and another Liverpool icon in Ian Rush, have found themselves in the middle of the row, with Irama using Rush’ name to promote themselves while the Steven Gerrard Academy will move into Whyeleafe’s Church Road in September.
While representatives of Rush and Gerrard have quickly moved to distance themselves completely, Whyteleafe aren’t the only club who have been forced to withdraw from the upcoming season due to Irama Sport’s demands.
Rangers boss’ Academy due to start in September
Abingdon Town have also had to resign from the Hellenic League, citing ridiculous demands” from Irama to retain the use of the stadium.
Irama would later try and absolve Rush on any responsibility, insisting:
“Ian Rush has no involvement in the running of this company and only wanted to use the grounds to create a ‘don’t pay to play’ scheme.
“This is not any fault of Ian’s and [he] has no involvement of [sic] dealings with tenants.”
For Gerrard’s part, the Academy at Whyteleafe is due to get underway from September and there’s no suggestion they’ve had any involvement in the controversial purchases.
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