Scottish football authorities have agreed in principle to revamp the league structure, infuriating Rangers which has been denied a quick route back to the top.
The record 54-time Scottish champions were forced to drop from the Premier League to the fourth tier before this season as punishment for their financial meltdown.
Rangers has a 17-point lead and would have been certain of promotion, but the overhaul is likely to see Scotland's four leagues cut to three, with two top divisions containing 12 teams and a third with 18. Rangers had hoped to be granted a spot back in the top division as part of the revamp.
Now the Glasgow club says ''this entire season will be rendered meaningless. Sporting integrity won't merely be compromised, it'll be crushed.''
Rangers says it was not invited to take part in Tuesday's talks between the powerbrokers in Scottish football.
