The latest revelation in the malicious prosecution scandal emerged in documents associated with Mr Ahmad’s damages case against Scotland’s chief prosecutor over his arrest as part of the botched fraud probe into the Ibrox club.

Mr Ahmad, 53, is claiming more than £60 million in damages on the basis he suffered “irreparable reputational harm”. The scandal has already cost the taxpayer more than £50m.

The papers state: “There has never been objective probable cause for the charges against him and in the circumstances malice in the sense required to give rise to liability at common law can be inferred.”

Mr Ahmad received an apology in June 2021, but no admission that he had been maliciously prosecuted.

A judge is considering the damages that Mr Ahmad will receive.