The SPFL has been accused of allowing an 'absolute scandal' to develop at Hamilton Academical, with rival clubs claiming the governing body is trying to 'sweep it under the carpet' while the club gains a sporting advantage.
Lanarkshire Live Sport has reported for months that pension contributions have gone unpaid at the club. In May 2026, the new ownership failed to pay some players on time, while others were underpaid. A former player is still waiting for a season's worth of pension contributions.
Club Official Calls for Action
Last week, an official from an SPFL club called for action before the start of the new league season on August 1, describing it as 'astonishing' that nothing was being done, affecting the integrity of the competition. Now a second club official has spoken out, expressing anger and frustration among clubs as Hamilton goes unpunished.
The SPFL is aware that the club has been reported to the Pensions Regulator but has refused to comment when contacted. There are claims the SPFL is willing to let rule breaches go unpunished because the club has 'suffered enough under the previous ownership'.
Points Deductions and Financial Troubles
In the last two seasons, the SPFL has deducted 37 points from Accies over incidents related to the previous regime. The club's last punishment came in February 2026, when it was deducted six points for failing to pay players' wages on time and in full on 31 December 2025, and for defaulting on tax obligations to HMRC.
Hamilton Accies changed ownership in January 2026 when Rob Edwards took over from Seref Zengin, who was deemed not fit and proper by the SFA for mismanagement. The club survived in League One by the skin of its teeth last season, winning a play-off final with Clyde, while Kelty Hearts finished just five points behind and were relegated.
Explosive Interview with Club Official
In an explosive interview, the anonymous official said: 'I think it is an absolute disgrace what is going on. We have heard some of the wages they are paying and it is just not a level playing field.'
'We have been speaking to other clubs and the feeling being given from the SPFL is that they believe Hamilton has been punished enough, that they can't do it anymore and they want to give the new owners a chance, almost just sweep this under the carpet.'
'By that logic, if someone goes to prison and they commit another offence, you don't just say "Ah, just leave it." But that's the way it seems to be going at the moment.'
'However, we can't let them get away with this. If any other team did this, they would be absolutely hammered.'
'I just don't think it is right. I don't know if anything is going to happen, but there have been no whispers that the SPFL is looking to do anything.'
'Going by the SPFL's own rules, Hamilton should be punished. This involves players' pensions. It is players' future livelihoods.'
'Hamilton have a sporting advantage and we hope the more people keep putting the pressure on, they [the SPFL] might actually act. There is a general feeling among football circles that this isn't fair.'
Galling Image of Team Flying to Wales
Particularly galling for rival clubs was an image of Hamilton flying the team away for a friendly in Wales, while players and businesses chase the club for monies due.
The official added: 'I think if they were being quite frugal and circumspect in terms of what they are doing in terms of spending, maybe you can understand it a bit. But I know clubs have gone in for players and Hamilton have blown them out the water.'
'And you can't be flying the team away to Wales, posting it all over social media and then there are letters going out telling players they can't pay their pension contributions or they can't pay debts.'
'It is an absolute scandal. What you could say is they are using pension money to pay their players. It just doesn't seem right.'
'But that is the weird and wacky world of Scottish football. Something should happen, but whether it will is another thing.'
