By BENSON EZUGWU

The Management of Rangers International Football club of Enugu has debunked the claim by Nigerian International, Moses Simon, that he was once denied selection by the club because of his origin.

Simon recently alleged that he was once denied selection by Rangers technical crew after undergoing recruitment process because he hails from the north.

However, Mr Amobi Ezeaku, Rangers General Manager, in a statement on Friday in Enugu, said the club had no such inclination in their policy.

He said: “While we respect every players’ right to recount his personal journey, it is important to state clearly that Rangers International does not maintain any policy of discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, religion or place of birth.”

He noted that since inception in 1970, Rangers had maintained its status as a national football institution, though based in Enugu, South East region of Nigeria.

Ezeaku maintained that the club’s recruitment philosophy had always been based on football ability, character, discipline, and commitment, and not on ethnic identity.

“Throughout its rich history, Rangers has been home to players, coaches, and officials from virtually every part of the country and the continent,” he said.

According to him, thousands of players have passed through the club over the years.

“Some earned contracts, others did not. Such decisions are part of football and are influenced by several sporting, technical and administrative considerations.

“It would therefore, be inaccurate to characterise Rangers as an institution that discriminates against players because of their ethnicity,” Ezeaku said.

The GM said that the club remained committed to welcoming players from all over the world with proven ability to wear Rangers’ badge. (NAN)