Paraphrased Version:
Accies Facing Relegation After 15-Point Deduction — Club Retains Right to Appeal
Hamilton Academical are facing a serious threat of relegation from the Scottish Championship after being hit with a 15-point deduction by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) due to several breaches of league regulations.
On Thursday evening, the SPFL revealed that Hamilton had been charged with four distinct rule violations. An independent tribunal reviewed the case and confirmed that the club had indeed breached all four regulations, resulting in a combination of fines and a hefty points penalty.
The breaches include failing to pay players on time, submitting incorrect information about the ownership of their stadium, having their Scottish FA club license downgraded, and submitting membership documents for next season past the deadline.
The deduction sees Accies fall from seventh place to the bottom of the Championship, now trailing Airdrieonians in ninth by eight points. If John Rankin’s side fails to win against Queen’s Park this Saturday, they will be relegated to League One. However, the SPFL confirmed that Hamilton retains the right to appeal the decision to the Scottish FA.
In an official statement, the SPFL said:
“Hamilton Academical Football Club have today (17 April) received a 15-point deduction and been fined £9,000 following a ruling by an independent tribunal, which found the club guilty of multiple breaches of SPFL rules.”
Breakdown of Charges and Penalties:
- Charge 1: Breach of Rules B1, E17, and E18, involving failure to report payment defaults to six players and a lack of good faith in dealings with the SPFL over a previous transfer embargo.
Sanction: Immediate 12-point deduction and a £5,000 fine. - Charge 2: Breach of Rule D4.3.2, relating to inaccurate information about stadium ownership submitted in the club’s 2024/25 membership documentation.
Sanction: £3,000 fine, with £1,500 suspended. - Charge 3: Breach of Rule D4.8, due to the downgrading of their SFA club licence from Bronze to Entry level.
Sanction: Additional 3-point deduction. - Charge 4: Breach of Rule E28.7, for the late submission of membership documents for the 2025/26 season.
Sanction: £1,000 fine, fully suspended.
Hamilton Responds to Tribunal Ruling
Following the announcement, the club issued its own response, expressing shock and disappointment at the verdict.
“We are astonished and disappointed at the tribunal’s decision,” a club spokesperson said. “We are currently awaiting the written reasons and the board will convene to consider an appeal.”
The statement urged fans to maintain their support during this critical period:
“We ask our supporters to continue backing the players and coaching staff as we approach the final stages of the season. We will not be making further comment until the appeal process concludes.”
