Dundee say it was their “intention” reject the SPFL’s proposals to call a halt to the Scottish season – but have still not cast their final vote.
The Championship club’s ballot paper was “electronically submitted” but “did not reach” the SPFL.
They only realised there was an issue when the league announced the results.
Dundee say the news that at least two Premiership clubs had “modified their position”, caused them to put their “foot on the ball and pause”.
In a lengthy statement, they criticised the SPFL’s proposal and said relegated clubs should receive financial assistance.
They added: “Also, we are sorry to disappoint all of the conspiracy theorists by saying that we were never exposed to any ‘deals’ from either of the Glasgow giants.”
Dundee are the only one of Scotland’s 42 senior clubs who have not officially submitted their ballot, and effectively have the casting vote.
Should they support the motion, the SPFL would end the lower league season immediately, and would be given the power to do so with the top flight should they deem it impossible to play the outstanding matches.
The SPFL board are expected to meet again at 17:00 BST on Wednesday.
‘Anxiety, vitriol & conspiracy theory’
Dundee say the past week has been “fraught with anxiety, vitriol, conspiracy theory” and describe their latest statement as a “brief enlightenment” of their situation.
On Tuesday, they claimed to have held “positive discussions” over league reconstruction and that they have their own and Scottish football’s interests at heart.
Their latest missive reiterated those sentiments and said the SPFL proposal was “not a solution for all teams” and “left little prospect” of changing the composition of the leagues.
Dundee also criticised the “disappointing and and regrettable actions of two Championship clubs” to reveal their voting intentions, after that news emerged on Saturday.
“It was then that we decided to put our foot on the ball and pause,” the statement read.
“We conveyed that decision to [the SPFL] and ceased taking calls on the subject. We needed time to develop a clearer DFC view on the situation.”
In the meantime, Dundee say they have discussed options with “a variety” of clubs to “show solidarity” to those negatively impacted by the SPFL’s proposal.
Were the Dens Park club to vote in favour, Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer would likely be relegated, with other teams denied titles, or promotion through the play-offs.
“Whilst it is not our responsibility to take the lead on solutions – we believe this is the role of the SPFL – it is our duty to attempt to ensure that the future of Scottish football remains promising for all the clubs,” they added.
“Relegated clubs must have financial assistance to help soften the landing so they can begin the next season on more equitable footing. Through our discussions it appears that there is an appetite to provide various forms of support.”
Dundee’s main desire, though, is for league reconstruction, saying that is the “only aspect” that helps them.
They insist a working group should be convened with an agreed set of goals, that takes into account “current and future wants and needs of media; member clubs’ financial benefits; and sporting integrity”.
“It is our belief that after speaking to numerous clubs that the appetite for reconstruction is there and the intention is to set up an immediate and focused working group to take on this task,” Dundee said.
“The [SPFL] will have to accept and support the will of the members.
“We do believe the [SPFL] has made mistakes in this process, namely not taking into consideration any financial fallout to their member clubs and publishing of the incomplete ballot results, which has put Dundee FC in a position to receive criticism and undue torment.
“If what we achieved in our pause was presented by the SPFL in the first instance, we would have voted in favour of the proposal.”
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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