Dundee FC Deducted 25 Points by Scottish Football League

(Article originally posted here.)

The following is the official press statement released by the Scottish Football League in regards to the recent financial situation at professional football club, Dundee FC.

Dundee Football Club

The Scottish Football League regrets the current situation that Dundee F.C. finds itself in for the second time in seven years.

We are fully aware of the impact this situation has had on all concerned, especially players, staff and fans of the club.

The SFL has a duty to protect the integrity and on-going smooth running of the league.

Our members and stakeholders expect nothing less.

Following a thorough process, as endorsed by the administrator, the board has decided that Dundee Football Club Limited is guilty of conduct contrary to league rules, the interests of the league and its member clubs, and the following sanctions will be imposed:

1. That Dundee F.C. be deducted 25 league championship points with immediate effect.
2. That, with immediate effect, a player registration embargo be imposed until the club comes out of administration.
3. That if the club is still in administration by 31st March, 2011, the board will reconsider the matter and will deal with the club as it sees fit.

It should be noted that Dundee F.C. has a right of appeal against these sanctions.

We are of the opinion that lessons are not being learned.

For example, clubs have to realise that, going forward, they cannot treat their HMRC obligations as something akin to a credit card.

Following a recent mandate from our clubs, the SFL will now prepare the introduction of an early warning system, designed to allow us to intervene at any stage, if advised by HMRC that clubs are defaulting on their obligations.

We also wish to reiterate that duties of care and financial diligence are of the utmost importance for any director or official of any club.

In the face of current challenges, our ultimate aim is to ensure that clubs survive with integrity.

Professional and robust financial management procedures are key to the future security of all clubs.