Dundee United CEO Luigi Capuano Responds to SPFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan Over Remarks on Club’s Voting Role
Dundee United CEO Luigi Capuano has issued a strongly worded response to recent remarks made by SPFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan concerning the club’s voting conduct during the controversial conclusion of the 2019/20 Scottish football season.
Capuano’s statement comes after MacLennan suggested that Dundee United had given an “unequivocal instruction” not to count their vote in the pivotal ballot that ultimately ended the lower-league season early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The vote, which passed narrowly, allowed promotions and relegations to go ahead despite the season not being completed, placing Dundee United into the Premiership.
MacLennan’s comments, made during a recent SPFL annual review, have reignited scrutiny over the voting process, which was marred by confusion and allegations of poor governance. Capuano, who became CEO after the events in question but has since taken an active role in defending the club’s position, said the chairman’s remarks were “deeply disappointing” and “misleading.”
In a detailed statement released to media, Capuano affirmed that Dundee United acted “in complete accordance with SPFL guidance at the time,” and that any suggestion of impropriety or manipulation of the voting process was “entirely without foundation.” He further stated that the club was “shocked” by the nature and timing of MacLennan’s comments, particularly given that the SPFL had previously moved on from the matter.
Capuano also called for a renewed focus on transparency and communication within Scottish football governance. “This is not just about Dundee United,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that all member clubs can have faith in how the league operates. When trust is undermined at the highest level, the whole game suffers.”
The public back-and-forth underscores continuing unease among several clubs about the SPFL’s leadership and the way key decisions have been handled. Some supporters and pundits have renewed calls for independent oversight of league processes and for the SPFL board to revisit its standards of accountability.
In closing, Capuano emphasized that Dundee United remains committed to contributing positively to Scottish football. “We will not allow unfounded claims to damage our reputation,” he concluded, “but we will always be open to constructive dialogue and improvements that benefit the game as a whole.”
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MacLennan had suggested that Dundee United explicitly instructed their vote not to be counted in the decision to end the lower-league season early due to the COVID-19 pandemic—an action that led to promotions, including Dundee United’s return to the Premiership.
Capuano, who was not in the CEO role at the time but is now defending the club’s position, called the remarks “disappointing and inaccurate.” In his response, he stressed that Dundee United followed all SPFL procedures and acted with full integrity throughout the process. He warned that MacLennan’s public statements could damage the club’s credibility and reignite unnecessary controversy.
Capuano urged for better transparency and unity across Scottish football leadership. He highlighted that trust in the league’s decision-making is vital and said the SPFL should be focusing on moving forward rather than revisiting past disputes.
Reaffirming Dundee United’s commitment to the game, Capuano said the club would not allow its name to be unfairly questioned and remains open to constructive conversations about improving governance in Scottish football.
