RANGERS will have to return to the negotiating table and reopen dialogue with Sports Direct over the club’s retail operations, The Herald understands.
The Ibrox board was defeated in the High Court in recent days as a long-running battle with Sports Direct took a fresh twist.
It was reported yesterday that Rangers chiefs were told their teams would not be allowed to wear Hummel kits next season after a judge ruled in favour of the Mike Ashley-owned firm at a hearing in London on July 19.
It was said a court injunction blocked Rangers from registering any home, away or third playing kits produced by the Danish sports manufacturers – with whom it has an existing deal – for the 2020/2021 season.
READ MORE: Stewart Fisher: Rangers' legal battle with Mike Ashley is a costly setback
The ruling reportedly included the design of future replica kits.
However, club insiders say the injunction in fact means Rangers must speak to Sports Direct, which now has the chance to match any retail offer the Light Blues negotiate with Hummel.
Steven Gerrard’s side kick off their Premiership campaign away to Kilmarnock on Sunday and will be wearing the new Hummel kit launched earlier this summer.
Ibrox chiefs insist there is no danger of the Light Blues being left without kit for next season, or successive years, as they ready themselves for further negotiations with Hummel and Sports Direct.
The club has also been told to pay almost £450,000 in legal fees to Sports Direct – a fee that could rise should the Ibrox club fail to stump up the cash before the August 16 deadline.
Rangers had refuted all claims made against them during the proceedings.
READ MORE: Rangers vs Sports Direct: Club won't wear Hummel next year as judge 'kills' deal
A statement on the club website last week explained how they were left disappointed” by the ruling, but that it would “meet any financial reward” sought.
It said: “Rangers was disappointed by the terms of the recent court judgment but respects the decision of the court and will meet any financial award made by the court.
He added: “Rangers would also like to reassure supporters that no steps have been taken to stop supporters being able to buy this season’s replica kits.”
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