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Celtic AGM Halted Mid-Question Session After Technical Glitch

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 11:02 GMT by The Irish News

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Celtic Directors Defend Record in Video After AGM Halted Before Questions Were Fielded

The 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Celtic Football Club – one of the most watched events in the Scottish football calendar – took an unexpected turn when the meeting was abruptly halted before members could voice their questions. A recorded video from the club’s directors, in which they defended a record that has become a point of controversy, became the focal point of the proceedings. The decision to pause the AGM, the content of the video, and the fallout from the incident have already sparked a flurry of discussion among fans, analysts and the club’s board.

Setting the Scene

The AGM, scheduled to take place at Celtic Park on Monday, 10th April, was set to be a formal review of the club’s performance in the 2023–24 season, the financials for the year, and the election of a new board slate. For the first time since 2021, the club decided to hold the AGM in a fully hybrid format – members could attend in person or participate online via the club’s official website. This format was chosen to accommodate the large number of season ticket holders and international supporters.

According to a pre‑AGM briefing released by the club, the 2023–24 season had seen Celtic finish as runners‑up in the Scottish Premiership, earn a quarter‑final spot in the Europa Conference League, and reach the semi‑finals of the Champions League – a historic achievement that has been described as “the most successful European campaign in the club’s history.” In the eyes of the board, these achievements set a new benchmark for Celtic’s performance and reinforced the club’s long‑term strategy of investing in talent and infrastructure.

The Record Under Fire

Central to the board’s narrative was the club’s claim of a “record 1.2 million euros in net profit” for the fiscal year ended 30th June 2023. This figure, reported by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, James McCarthy, was cited as proof of the club’s financial stability and its ability to sustain long‑term growth. However, several member groups and independent analysts have challenged the accuracy of the reported figures, citing a potential overstatement of revenue from sponsorship deals and a lack of transparency in the club’s financial statements.

The board’s recorded video, released hours before the AGM, was an attempt to pre‑emptively address these criticisms. In the video, Chairman Steve McMahon and Director of Finance, Fiona MacLeod, explained the accounting methodology used to arrive at the 1.2 million‑euro figure. They highlighted the club’s revenue streams – including matchday income, broadcasting rights, and commercial sponsorships – and explained how costs were allocated across departments. The video also featured a quick montage of the club’s recent successes, underscoring the idea that the record profit was a direct result of on‑field achievements.

The AGM Halt

As the AGM commenced, members from the audience and the online forum began to submit questions via a live chat window. These ranged from inquiries about the club’s debt obligations, the impact of the new training facilities on future revenues, to concerns about the sustainability of the current wage structure. The board was ready to field these questions and had prepared a “Q&A” section to be scheduled after the presentation of the annual report.

However, midway through the question period, the AGM’s live streaming platform crashed due to a sudden spike in traffic. The club’s technical team, in coordination with the event organisers, decided to pause the meeting for a brief “technical intermission” while the issue was being resolved. The interruption lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which the club’s social media accounts posted apologies and updates. Unfortunately, the pause came at a critical moment – just as the members’ questions were gaining momentum.

When the platform finally stabilized, the board opted to resume the AGM with a modified agenda. Instead of continuing with the live Q&A, the directors announced that all remaining questions would be collected and addressed in a separate “post‑AGM” session. This decision, though understandable from a logistical standpoint, was met with frustration from some members who felt their concerns were being sidestepped.

Reactions and Aftermath

Members’ Reaction – A group of club members, represented by the “Celtic Supporters’ Association,” held a protest outside the stadium. They demanded a full audit of the club’s finances and a public hearing to address their concerns about the reported record profit. The association’s spokesperson, Liam Ó Murchú, said, “The board’s pre‑AGM video is a defensive tactic. We need transparency and accountability.”

Board’s Defense – Chairman McMahon, in a press conference held two days after the AGM, reiterated that the 1.2 million‑euro figure was “based on the club’s audited accounts” and that the club would “be happy to provide further detail upon request.” He also assured members that a dedicated “financial review panel” would be set up, drawing on independent auditors and club accountants.

Media Coverage – The Irish News article, which has already become a touchstone for the debate, quotes several sources within the club, including a senior financial officer who said that “the profit figure includes a one‑off capital grant from the Scottish Government.” A former Celtic player who turned commentator, Derek O’Leary, commented that “the record is commendable, but the real test is whether the club can maintain that level without compromising its sporting integrity.”

Future Implications – Analysts warn that the incident could have broader implications for the club’s governance. “In an era where fan engagement is paramount, a mishandled AGM could erode trust,” wrote former Celtic director, Dr. Eamonn Murphy. “If the board fails to resolve the financial questions satisfactorily, it may face backlash that could influence the upcoming elections.”

Conclusion

Celtic’s AGM of 2024 served as a microcosm of the tensions that exist between club management and its supporters. While the board’s video aimed to defend a record financial achievement, the abrupt halt of the AGM and the subsequent postponement of the Q&A session left many members feeling unheard. As the club moves forward, the outcome of the promised post‑AGM session, and the transparency of its financial reporting, will determine whether the record – both on and off the pitch – can withstand scrutiny. The debate continues, with the club’s next AGM scheduled for 2025, giving the board time to address these concerns and restore confidence among the loyal Celtic faithful.