'Massive blow' as Hamilton given transfer embargo

Hamilton Academical have described their latest transfer embargo as "another massive blow" as they face a season without signing a senior player.

The League 1 club was issued with the ban by the SPFL after "failing to settle its tax obligations".

Accies were already subject to a transfer embargo "following remuneration and tax defaults which were determined or admitted during season 2024-25", added the league body.

A 15-point deduction last season led to John Rankin's side finishing bottom of the Championship and being automatically relegation.

"The written decision is awaited and the question of appeal will be carefully considered at that time," said Hamilton in a statement.

"The offences admitted related to serious weaknesses in our finance and administration departments – and to the dreadful circumstances which afflicted the operation of the club for the past two seasons.

"The finance and administration departments have now been completely revamped and the circumstances and environment which used to prevail have been consigned to the past.

"In addition to appointing a new chief finance officer and head of administration the club is well along the process of negotiating new investment and strengthening the board.

"Please be assured that a complete overhaul of the club is underway after one of the most difficult periods in our history. What is needed most of all is the continued backing of our supporters for John Rankin and the team on the pitch."

Earlier on Friday, the SPFL said: "Hamilton Academical FC admitted to further breaches of SPFL rules by failing to settle its tax obligations to HMRC on three occasions, and for failing to notify the SPFL that it had been in default of its tax obligations to HMRC on each occasion."

The league body added that the embargo will be lifted at the end of the 2025-26 season and have also imposed a £7,500 fine, £5,000 of which is suspended.

Under SPFL rules, a club under a transfer embargo this season can register amateur players or professional players born on or after 1 January 2006.

Hamilton have played three competitive fixtures so far this season, winning one and losing two of their Premier Sports Cup group fixtures. They conclude their Group E campaign at home to Dumbarton on Saturday. Accies open their League 1 programme the following Saturday at home to Montrose.

The South Lanarkshire club are playing their home fixtures at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld this season after taking the decision to look for an alternative ground amid a row over stadium ownership and rental at New Douglas Park, where they had played for 24 years.

Accies have stated their long-term aim is to return to playing in their home town.