Livingston told to pay wages on time or face sanctions

Livingston have been given a severe slap on the wrist by the Scottish Football League who have demanded that their players’ wages must be paid on time. Club Chairman Angelo Massone met SFL officials on Thursday to seek assurances over wage payments. SFL Chief Executive David Longmuir told the BBC that the situation will be closely monitored in future.

He said, “The SFL made it quite clear that Livingston must stick to their contractual obligations of paying wages on time - and we were given that.”

Livingston have been accused of making late payments of wages on several occasions this season both towards the playing staff and back room staff, while businesses have sought court action to recover outstanding debts.

“They were given the opportunity to reassure us that players’ wages were top priority and had to be paid on time,” said Longmuir. “Mr Massone agreed to that and we will monitor the situation over the coming months to see that players are paid on time and in full.”

Longmuir was asked what sanctions could be imposed if the assurances were not met by Livingston, he said, “We have enough rules to impose some kind of sanction. That is not the way we are trying to go with this. It’s just that, with all Livingston’s other obligations, players’ wages must come first. Our remit is to protect the integrity of players contracts. That is the only remit we have. We have no role to play in other matters. The club are still playing games and fielding teams. Our main objective in meeting Mr Massone was to make clear that contractual obligations must be met”.

Massone has continually stated that the First Division side are not in financial trouble, despite much publicised reports in the media. Following his meeting with the league, the Livingston chairman said, “I am happy that we have spoken openly about what is happening at Livingston. I think next season will be fantastic without this problem. We will concentrate on the football side and it will be sorted. The situation is definitely better in regard to my takeover on 3 June. Everything is good at this moment, definitely, yes, I will be there again next season.”

We ask Livi fans to comment on this latest news of Massone and the club being given a slap on the wrist - what are your views of the whole situation?