MORTON’S official complaint to league bosses about Falkirk FC's appointment of former manager Ray McKinnon is to go before a committee headed by an independent solicitor.

The SPFL board has decided that the Bairns may have a case to answer regarding their appointment of McKinnon and first team coach Darren Taylor on August 31 and issued a complaint notice.

The dispute will now move on to the next stage, with the hearing expected to be held later this year.

In a statement the SPFL said: “Following receipt and consideration of a complaint from Greenock Morton FC, and written representations to the SPFL board made on behalf of both clubs involved, the SPFL board has determined that a complaint be issued in terms of Section J of the SPFL Rules alleging breach and/or non-compliance by Falkirk FC with SPFL Rules D9 and/or D10, arising from the circumstances of the employment by Falkirk FC of its new management team.

“A hearing of the complaint before an SPFL Board sub-committee, chaired by an experienced independent solicitor with relevant expertise, will now be convened.

“No further comment can be made by the SPFL at this time.”

The Bairns have denied any wrongdoing in relation to their pursuit and appointment of McKinnon.

Their chair Margaret Lang told fans in a Q&A last month: “We sought permission from Morton to speak to their manager.

“During these discussions Ray made clear his desire to join Falkirk and, after discussions with a number of candidates, he was the outstanding choice.

“We appreciate Morton would have preferred to keep their manager, however, we followed appropriate procedures at all times."

The Tele exclusively revealed last month that Morton had gone to the SPFL about Falkirk's pursuit and appointment of their management team, who had only joined the Cappielow club in the summer.

The club also sought legal advice on the matter.

Morton chairman Crawford Rae issued a statement previously saying that Ton would require a six-figure sum in compensation to release their management team.

Despite giving Falkirk permission to speak to McKinnon, he and Darren Taylor were not subsequently released from their contracts, with Mr Rae claiming they had breached their deals by signing two-year agreements with Ton's Championship rivals.

Head of fitness Graeme Henderson also later moved to the Bairns as well.

Morton have yet to make any comment on today's latest developments.