Two high-profile Rangers departures as Ibrox club look to avoid Crystal Palace situation

The American, who is also chairman of Leeds United and president of 49ers Enterprises, was part of the US consortium that completed a takeover over the Ibrox club last summer alongside Andrew Cavenagh.

Marathe has since attended several Rangers matches and official events, but will now relinquish his position with the Scottish Premiership club following talks with European football's governing body, Uefa.

Gene Schneur, who is also a Leeds director, is also standing down from the Rangers board.

The decision has been made to ensure that Rangers will not face any Uefa eligibility issues should both clubs qualify for European tournaments in the same season.

Under Uefa rules, an individual cannot have a "controlling influence" or hold a director-level position in more than one club if both teams could potentially compete in the same European competition.

Crystal Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League this season after Uefa determined that American businessman John Textor had control or influence at both Palace and French club Lyon.

Rangers have confirmed that the departures of Marathe and Schneur do not affect the 49ers Enterprises' investment or the current ownership structure at Ibrox. There are currently no immediate plans to replace the vacated board positions.