SPL takes further action

The Scottish Premier League today issued the following statement after a meeting of a sub-committee of its Board at Hampden Park.

"A sub-committee of the SPL Board convened today at Hampden to consider two charges against Heart of Midlothian FC ('the Club') - for failure to pay bonuses and appearance monies owing to players and coaching staff (a 'Remuneration Default'); and for the Club's subsequent failure to inform the SPL of such failure to pay in a timely manner.

"The sub-committee found the Club guilty of breaching SPL Rules A6.21 and A6.22 in respect of a number of players.

"The Club remains subject to the existing registration embargo, which will continue in effect until such time as the SPL Board is satisfied that the Remuneration Default is no longer ongoing. However, the decision of the sub-committee today was that the Club should be made subject to further restrictions on the registration of players.

"As a result, if and when the Club satisfies the SPL Board that the Remuneration Default is no longer ongoing, the Club will (until the end of the 2012/2013 Season) only be able to register players on the following basis:

- One out, one in (ie the Club will only be able to replace such number of players as have their registrations with the Club terminated - whether by sale, mutual agreement or otherwise)

- Only under-21 players (as defined in the SPL Rules) will be able to be registered

"Any new under-21 player registered must have an annualised employment cost lower than that of the player leaving the Club."

A Hearts spokesperson said: "The club is currently consulting with its lawyers with a view to considering its available options and will make a fuller statement in due course."

Hearts World