Hearts reprimanded by SPL over late payment of wages

Hearts have been reprimanded over late payment of wages

The SPL has reprimanded Hearts and warned the club over their future conduct following the late payment of wages by the Edinburgh side.

Hearts admitted failing to pay their coaching staff and players on time in September.

The Jambos were also late in paying players this month, with wages due on 15 October eventually being settled a week later, with the club now facing another SPL hearing on Wednesday.

"We accept the result of today's SPL Board sub-committee hearing and are satisfied that this specific matter is now resolved and closed," read a statement on the club's official website.

"We also acknowledge the second charge against the club, the subject matter of which the club believes has been resolved internally. However, the club notes that this will be dealt with separately on Wednesday."

The SPL confirmed their findings in a statement of their own.

"A sub-committee of the Scottish Premier League Board considered a charge against Heart of Midlothian Football Club under SPL Rule A6.21, which concerned the club's failure to pay coaching staff and players on time in September," it read.

"The charge was admitted by the club. The club has been reprimanded and warned with regard to its future conduct. The club remains subject to a player registration embargo.

"A second charge against Heart of Midlothian Football Club regarding its alleged failure to pay coaching staff and players on the due date in October will be heard on Wednesday 24 October."

With regard to that second hearing, SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "I think it's important we don't prejudge anything and hear what Hearts have to say. We don't know whether the charge is being admitted yet.

"So rather than prejudge the outcome of any hearing, I think it's important we sit down with a clear mind on Wednesday and judge any evidence on its merits."

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