'An accomplice to this tragedy': Keighley Cougars' message to rivals as IMG plans get green light

James O'Brien
By James O'Brien
Published 19th Apr 2023, 14:42 BST
Updated 19th Apr 2023, 15:15 BST
Keighley Cougars co-owner Kaue Garcia has told the clubs that backed IMG's plan to scrap automatic promotion and relegation that they are "an accomplice to this tragedy" and will live in infamy.

The proposal to introduce a new grading system from the end of 2024 received an overwhelming 88 per cent majority at a meeting in Huddersfield on Wednesday, with all 11 Super League clubs – Catalans Dragons were not entitled to vote – giving their approval.

Championship outfit Keighley have publicly opposed the plan from the start but received little support from their fellow clubs.

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The Cougars were joined by only Batley Bulldogs, Barrow Raiders, Featherstone Rovers, Dewsbury Rams and Hunslet in voting against the move, while there were three abstentions.

Prior to the vote at the John Smith's Stadium, Garcia told his peers: "Anyone voting for these measures will be an accomplice to this tragedy and the sport will one day remember your names."

Chief among Keighley's concerns is the range of criteria that will determine which Category B Championship sides, if any, will achieve promotion to the top flight, with on-field performance counting for just a fraction of each club’s decisive tally under IMG's 20-point plan that will underpin the grading system.

Clubs will be scored across five areas: fandom (25 per cent), performance (25 per cent), finance (22.5 per cent), stadium (15 per cent) and community (12.5 per cent).

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Category A clubs will be guaranteed a place in Super League, with any remaining spots taken by the highest-ranked Category B clubs.

Keighley Cougars have vehemently opposed IMG's proposal to scrap promotion and relegation. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)Keighley Cougars have vehemently opposed IMG's proposal to scrap promotion and relegation. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)
Keighley Cougars have vehemently opposed IMG's proposal to scrap promotion and relegation. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

Keighley view the system as a closed shop designed to protect "an elite cartel".

"We're obviously disappointed that the proposals went through," said Garcia.

"History will decide whether this is the right thing for the sport. I do really hope it doesn't kill the ambition and opportunity for clubs that are left out of Super League. That's the fear."

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