Serious questions raised over Dermot Desmond’s Celtic control and stock market rules

Former Sunderland executive Charlie Methven has questioned Dermot Desmond's governance and level of control at Celtic, arguing it raises issues under stock market rules. Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Methven stated that Desmond effectively controls the club despite holding only a non-executive director role and a 30 percent shareholding, which he argued should not grant the power to hire and fire managers.

Methven also highlighted Desmond's public criticism of Brendan Rodgers following the manager's departure in October 2025, questioning why a non-executive director issued such remarks. Writer Patrick Sinat notes that while Celtic maintains its board operates with independent oversight, questions remain over Desmond's boardroom influence.