Hearts director insists 'there is no wage crisis'

He said there was no "wages problem" and promised to resolve the "technical" issues which delayed the wages of the players and staff at Tynecastle.

Mr Fedotovas flew in from Lithuania to alleviate concerns amongst club employees, who were informed yesterday that

both monthly and weekly salaries would not be paid in time. A high-ranking official within Hearts' parent company, Ukio Bankas Investment Group, Mr Fedotovas maintained there was no need for worry amongst supporters or staff.

Players, who are paid each week, failed to receive wages last Friday and have been promised that all money due will be up to date by the end of this week.

Monthly paid staff were due to be paid today but were informed yesterday that salaries would be delayed until Friday.

Speaking to the News, Mr Fedotovas said: "I can tell you there is no wages problem. There was a temporary delay due to a technical reason. There is no problem.

"I am confident there is no salary issue here. There was a technical problem, we will eliminate that and everyone will be paid."

It appears the issue arose when UBIG, who regularly deposit money into Hearts' bank account with HBoS, stopped making payments earlier this month.

When HBoS refused to permit an overdraft beyond 100,000, wages failed.

Mr Fedotovas was dispatched to Scotland by Vladimir Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder, to reassure club officials that there was no cause for undue concern.

A club statement said yesterday: "Staff will now all be paid in full on Friday. While there had been some concern over the uncertainty, they are now relaxed and happy with the situation."