The news was issued in a statement to the PLUS Stock Exchange yesterday as the Scottish champions released their annual financial figures in the year to June 30.

The statement read: "Craig Whyte was disqualified to act as a director of Vital UK Limited in 2000 for a period of seven years."

The revelation had been contained in a documentary screened on BBC Scotland in October, a programme which prompted Whyte to take legal action against the broadcaster.

The SFA have now requested more information from Rangers regarding the club`s chairman, who completed his takeover of Sir David Murray`s shares in May.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "The Scottish FA has noted the Rangers FC statement to the stock exchange regarding the club's owner Craig Whyte.

"We have been in dialogue with the club on this matter and in light of developments have requested clarification by return.

"We await disclosure of key information before we can make any further comment."

The SFA have rules regarding office-bearers of member clubs.

Their Articles of Association state: "The board must be satisfied that any such person is fit and proper to hold such position within Association football.

"The board...reserves its discretion as to whether or not such a person is fit and proper...after due consideration of all relevant facts which the board has in its possession and knowledge including...he has been disqualified as a director pursuant to the Company Directors` Disqualification Act 1986 within the previous five years."

Responding to the comments from the SFA, a spokesman for Rangers said: "At no stage did the club believe there had been a breach of SFA regulations.

"The club will be happy to provide the SFA with all the relevant information and discuss the matter with them fully."