The team from New Douglas Park is still reeling from the devastating 15-point deduction and £9,000 fine imposed by the SPFL for multiple violations of SPFL regulations – which they plan to appeal.

Accies facing huge debt over stadium rent

However, these are not the only issues the club is facing. According to reports, there is a significant debt related to the rent for New Douglas Park stadium. The Sun reports that Accies owe at least £272,204 in unpaid rent, and this amount may have already doubled. The club is a tenant at New Douglas Park, as the stadium still belongs to the club’s former owner, Colin McGowan, who has not yet reached an agreement to hand over the keys to the current owner of Accies, Seref Zengin, following his takeover in 2023. While waiting for significant information, fans often look for alternative forms of entertainment online — and one of the most popular options is undoubtedly sports betting. If you're interested in sports betting, you can read detailed analyses and discover the best betting apps in the UK.

Hamilton Accies spokesperson Gerry Strain, who also serves as the club's sporting director, responded to media reports, stating that he could not comment on their accuracy. He emphasized that the reported £500,000 annual rent for New Douglas Park seems absurd, and noted that he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the club's operations. He also added that he does not believe it is a coincidence that negative headlines appear in the media just before or on the day of important matches. In his view, this is simply another such incident over the past two years.

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Appeal against allegations

Accies issued a statement confirming that they would appeal the sanctions. Hamilton Academical Football Club can confirm that it will appeal the decision of the SPFL Tribunal. At this time, we are unable to provide any further comment on the matter.

The allegations against Hamilton Accies include breaches of rules B1, E17, and E18, related to failing to notify the SPFL of unpaid wages owed to six players and not acting in good faith when presenting information to the SPFL board regarding the lifting of a transfer embargo after previous tax and wage arrears. As a result, the club was sanctioned with an immediate 12-point deduction and a £5,000 fine.

Another allegation involved a breach of rule D4.3.2, related to providing false information regarding stadium ownership in the membership criteria submission for the 2024/25 season, resulting in a £3,000 fine (with £1,500 suspended). The third allegation involved a breach of rule D4.8, regarding the downgrading of the club's overall license in the Scottish Football Association from the Bronze level to the entry-level tier, leading to an immediate 3-point deduction. The final allegation was related to a breach of rule E28.7, concerning the delayed submission of the club’s membership criteria for the 2025/26 season, which resulted in a £1,000 fine (fully suspended).

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