The arithmetic is now against the Rangers newco being allowed into the SPL after three more clubs said they will be voting no, taking the total to six.
St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Inverness Caley Thistle all issued statements on Monday confirming they will reject the transfer of the SPL share from old company to new on July 4.
For the application to be rubber-stamped next week, it would need an 8-4 majority in favour but half the league have now said they will oppose it.
Hearts were the first to stick their neck out last Thursday, closely followed by Dundee United after a meeting between chairman Stephen Thompson and supporters’ groups.
Hibs followed on Sunday, while Saints, Dons and ICT have now made it an insurmountable six.
Saints’ statement read: ”The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rangers has been an unwelcome distraction, which has had an adverse effect on both participating SPL clubs and Scottish football in general.
”The present economic climate has made it extremely difficult for anyone involved in football and any reduction in income will have a serious impact on this football club.
”Notwithstanding the potentially damaging financial implications, the board believes that sporting integrity should not be sacrificed in favour of economic expediency.
”Over the last few weeks, there has been a mounting groundswell of opinion amongst our fans, which has clearly shown that the vast majority of our supporters would not favour an application by newco Rangers to the SPL. This has simply reaffirmed the board’s position.
”It is important that a clear and unambiguous message goes out from the custodians of Scottish football that this sort of scenario should never be allowed to happen again.
”As a result, St Johnstone FC will not support an application by newco Rangers to join the SPL.
”We would urge all St Johnstone fans to get behind the club and offer their support in the challenging season which lies ahead.”
Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne said in a statement: ”Traditionally we have preferred not to make public our voting intentions but, in light of the level of interest and the fact other clubs have chosen to show their hand, on this occasion I can confirm it is our intention to oppose re-admission to the SPL for any Rangers newco.”
The Highland club had earlier confirmed: ”The club will be voting ‘no’ to an application for SPL entry from a new company which has acquired the assets of Rangers following the liquidation of the previous company.
”Having considered all the options and following a very productive discussion with the supporters trust board members, the ICTFC directors are unanimous in their decision.”
Meanwhile, United have revealed that ”several hundred” season tickets have been sold on the back of the club’s decision to say no to the newco.
The Tangerines stressed, however, that the fans should continue to rally round in these uncertain times for Scottish football.
”We are pleased to report that several hundred season tickets have been sold (since last week’s announcement) but we need the fans to continue to support the club,” said a Tannadice spokesman.
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