RANGERS have launched a civil court action against four of the club's former executives, Sports Direct and its owner Mike Ashley.

The case brought against former chief executives Charles Green and Derek Llambias, former commercial director Imran Ahmad, former financial director Brian Stockbridge, SportsDirect.com Retail and Mr Ashley is being dealt with at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

READ MORE: Mike Ashley 'will face MPs if they visit Sports Direct first'

Last week the Rangers board served notice to cancel a merchandise deal with Rangers Retail Limited, owned by Sports Direct, which is understood to mean only 4p from every pound spent in the Ibrox store is banked by the Old Firm outfit.

It was seen as the first major step to remove Mr Ashley's influence over club merchandising and it is anticipated that it was an issue that will be resolved in court.

READ MORE: Scottish FA set up Independent Commission to probe Hampden riots

The trademarks agreements were a cornerstone of Rangers' merchandising joint venture with Ashley's company confirmed by then chief executive Charles Green in August 2012.

The joint agreement between Ashley and the Scottish Championship winners required a seven-year notice period, unless Sports Direct agrees to end it, or further legal action seeks to tear up the contract.

Club chairman Dave King tried on several occasions to renegotiate the retail deal but has been rebuffed at every turn by Ashley, who is also owner of Newcastle United and has a near nine per cent stake in the Rangers.

The Rangers Retail set up has been a long-lasting area of controversy and at the end of 2014 the Rangers Supporters Trust launched an alternative shirt for fans as they took on Mr Ashley - and said all profits would be ploughed back into an increased shareholding in their club.

READ MORE: Mike Ashley 'will face MPs if they visit Sports Direct first'

The previous 10-year licence agreement with sports retailer JJB Sports rubber stamped in 2006, was worth a minimum of £48 million to the club. The club got an initial payment of £18 million when they launched an Umbro home kit and were guaranteed a minimum annual royalty of £3 million in each year of the licence.