Hibernian to vote against Rangers

The Edinburgh side cited sporting integrity as the driving factor behind the decision, which was reached at a board meeting, despite the financial implications for the club.

Hibernian joins city rival Hearts and Dundee United in going public with plans to reject the Rangers bid.

Motherwell will ballot fans on 29 June, while others have yet to make a decision.

The 12 top-flight clubs - including oldco Rangers - will cast their votes at an SPL general meeting on 4 July.

A statement from Hibs read: "Following a meeting of its board of directors, Hibernian FC confirmed that the club will vote against the transfer of the Rangers share in the SPL to a newco at the general meeting of SPL clubs on 4 July 2012.

"This re-affirms the view of the board that the sporting integrity of the SPL is of paramount importance.

"The board is also acutely aware that in making this decision, Hibernian - like other clubs in the SPL - will suffer collateral financial damage at a time of severe economic hardship and uncertainty.

"The board believes it is time for all fair-minded supporters to get behind their clubs and to contribute in whatever way they can to the viability of the professional game in Scotland."

Ibrox duo Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker have said uncertainty over which division Rangers will play in next season is one of the main reasons for their decision to object to the transfer of their contracts to the newco, with the pair now seeking moves elsewhere.