Hamilton Academical have been hit with an additional nine-point deduction by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) after failing to meet licensing requirements, plunging the League One club further down the table.

The penalty comes after Hamilton did not successfully acquire a bronze-level Scottish FA club licence by the 31 March deadline, despite being granted multiple extensions by the SPFL. The decision was confirmed by a disciplinary tribunal this week.

Ongoing Struggles for Hamilton

Hamilton’s troubles have been mounting since last season. The club was relegated after receiving a 15-point deduction for several violations, including issues with stadium ownership and player registration.

This summer, Hamilton left their historic hometown stadium and relocated to Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, 15 miles away. Despite this, the club was handed a six-point penalty in October for paying trialists and fielding amateur players while under a transfer embargo.

At the time, Hamilton were leading League One and would have been in second place, five points behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle, had they not been penalized. The latest nine-point deduction now drops them to eighth place, just three points above second-bottom Cove Rangers.

Licensing Issues and Leadership Challenges

The SPFL stated:
“The club admitted breaching these rules following the award by the Scottish FA of an entry-level licence due to the club’s accounts being unaudited.”

Compounding the crisis, the SFA recently ruled that owner Seref Zengin and director Gerry were not fit and proper to hold positions within Association Football, with Gerry failing in an appeal last week.

Hamilton has expressed disappointment at the ongoing legal and regulatory pressures, stating the deductions come “at a time when the club is working tirelessly to stabilise its finances and protect its future.”

Board Changes and Coaching Departures

While former director Strain focuses on challenging his exclusion, Jonny Towers, a senior executive at The Funding Globe Ltd—which recently provided emergency financial support—has joined the board.

The turmoil also led to the resignation of head coach John Rankin at the end of November, with Darian MacKinnon now in interim charge of first-team duties.

Hamilton faces a difficult path ahead as they attempt to stabilize the club, comply with SPFL and SFA regulations, and recover on the pitch amid mounting financial and governance challenges.