THE Union of Fans has written to the SFA asking them to "rigorously enforce" strict rules on dual ownership.

The union, an amalgamation of six Rangers supporters' groups, has made the move after shareholder Mike Ashley called an extraordinary general meeting.

Sports Direct tycoon Ashley wants Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace and director Philip Nash removed from their posts.

The development comes after it emerged Wallace was in talks with Dave King, George Letham and Paul Murray about bailing out the stricken Glasgow giants.

The lifelong Rangers supporters are, in conjunction with other "like-minded individuals", prepared to stump up £16million.

Newcastle United owner Ashley, who owns the rights to sell Rangers merchandise through his Sports Direct chain, is believed to be opposed to their involvement.

The billionaire businessman has an agreement with the SFA limiting him to a stake of no more than 10 per cent in Rangers.

But Article 13.1 of the SFA Articles of Association state that no person involved in another club "has any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration of a club" without "prior written consent".

The union believes Ashley has breached the guidelines by calling the general meeting - and they now want the governing body to take action.

UoF spokesman Chris Graham said: "The move by Mike Ashley to grab power in the Rangers boardroom is extremely concerning.

"The SFA's special dispensation, which allowed Mr Ashley to purchase up to 10 per cent of the club, was clearly designed to mirror Uefa rules on dual ownership.

"These rules do not allow anyone to exert a 'decisive influence' over the decision-making of two clubs.

"There can be no more obvious attempt to exert 'decisive influence' over another club than to try remove its executive directors."

Graham continued: "Charles Green and the previous board have already allowed Mr Ashley to plunder the club for onerous merchandise contracts and virtually free stadium naming rights. He also has full control of the club stores.

"We firmly believe that it is Mr Ashley's intention to now attempt to grab ownership of the club's trademark rights including our name and badge.

"We believe he is deliberately attempting to hamper the efforts of others to invest in the club so that he can provide a loan on terms which will allow him to demand these trademark rights.

"The SFA has a duty to Rangers to rigorously enforce both its own and Uefa rules on dual ownership.

"We believe Mr Ashley's EGM call is a breach of those rules and we have written to the SFA calling on them to take appropriate action."

Ashley could not be contacted for comment last night.

Meanwhile, Rangers striker Kris Boyd has successfully challenged the SFA charge of violent conduct against him.

Boyd rejected the two-game ban he was offered after being charged with allegedly head-butting Hibs player Jordan Foster in an SPFL Championship match at Ibrox last month.

Rangers and the player chose to contest the notice of complaint and a verdict of not proven was returned at Hampden yesterday.

The decision means the 31-year-old will be available to play in the league game against Raith Rovers at Ibrox a week tomorrow and in the Petrofac Training Cup quarter-final against East Fife in Methil three days later.