Accies owe 'half a million in unpaid rent', as report timing questioned by club (2025)

It comes after the club were hit by hefty sanctions by the SPFL that look set to relegate them

Hamilton Accies owe around half a million pounds in unpaid stadium rent, a report has claimed.

The New Douglas Park side are still smarting from a devastating 15-point deduction and £9,000 fine dished out by the SPFL on Thursday for multiple breaches of SPFL rules - which they will appeal.

It has put the club on the cusp of relegation, with anything less than a win at home to Queen's Park this afternoon enough to unofficially see them demoted to League One next season.

To add to their woes, it has been claimed they face substantial debt on the stadium rent at New Douglas Park.

But a club spokesman has questioned the accuracy and timing of the report.

According to the Sun, Accies have an outstanding balance of at least £272,204 in unpaid rent and the report claims this is believed to have now doubled.

The club are tenants at New Douglas Park as the ground is still owned by former club owner Colin McGowan, who is yet to agree a deal to handover the keys to current Accies owner Seref Zengin after he took control in 2023.

Hamilton Accies spokesman Gerry Strain, who is also director of football, told Lanarkshire Live Sport: "Regarding the headlines in this morning’s press, I cannot comment on the accuracy of them. Half a million pounds of rent for 12 months on the face of it seems to be ridiculous though. As Sporting Director, it’s not an area of the club I’m directly involved in.

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"What I would say, however, is that I do not believe it’s simply a coincidence that on every occasion before a big or important match since Seref and I have been involved at this club from 2023 onwards, that there’s been a negative headline the day before or on the day of the match. This is another one for the collection."

Accies are not permitted to comment on the recent points deduction and fine, part of which referred to the "provision of incorrect information regarding stadium ownership in the Club’s Season 2024/25 Membership Criteria submission."

But they did release a statement yesterday confirming they are appealing the sanctions.

A club statement read: "Hamilton Academical Football Club can confirm following a board meeting this afternoon that we shall be launching an appeal against the SPFL Tribunal Determination communicated to us yesterday.

"At this time, we are unable to provide any further comments on the matter.

"We kindly ask for the continued backing of the players and management team as we enter the final three crucial games of the season. Your support plays a vital role in driving the team forward, and it will be more important than ever as we push for a strong finish.

"Thank you for your understanding and support. Hamilton Academical Board Of Directors."

The charges Accies have been punished for are as follows:

• Charge 1: Breach of Rules B1, E17 and E18 in relation to the failure to notify the SPFL of Remuneration Defaults in respect of six players and a failure to act with the utmost good faith in its representations to the SPFL Board regarding the lifting of a transfer embargo after previous Remuneration and Tax Defaults.

Sanction: Immediate 12 point deduction and £5,000 fine

• Charge 2: Breach of Rule D4.3.2 in relation to the provision of incorrect information regarding stadium ownership in the Club’s Season 2024/25 Membership Criteria submission.

Sanction: £3,000 fine (£1,500 of which has been suspended)

• Charge 3: Breach of Rule D4.8 in relation to the downgrading of the Club’s Scottish FA Club Licence overall award from Bronze to Entry level.

Sanction: Immediate 3 point deduction

• Charge 4: Breach of Rule E28.7 in relation to the late provision of the Club’s Membership Criteria submission for Season 2025/26.

Sanction: £1,000 fine (fully suspended)