SPFL club hit with shock season long transfer embargo player payment failure

Scottish League One club Cove Rangers have been hit with a season-long registration embargo and a fine following rule breaches. An SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal sanctioned the club until May 31, 2027, for failing to make a historic contractual signing-on payment due in 2024 and subsequently providing incorrect certification regarding overdue payables. Cove Rangers were also fined £5,000, with £2,000 suspended.

Cove Rangers, managed by Paul Hartley, expressed disappointment at the severity of the sanction and are considering their options. The club noted the issue stemmed from an administrative oversight, after which they paid the player and self-reported to the league. Hartley's side may still extend existing contracts and could potentially sign free agents with SPFL board approval.