Cricket: Dunfermline Knights demoted in cash row

ONE of Scotland’s highest-profile clubs have been relegated for making illicit payments to players.

Dunfermline Knights, who played in the top flight of the SNCL for the last two seasons and reached this year’s Scottish Cup final, were due to compete in the newly-formed Eastern Conference next summer. However, the McKane Park club have been demoted to the East League following an investigation by the game’s governing body.

A Cricket Scotland statement read: “Cricket Scotland approached Dunfermline Cricket Club (DCC) in relation to allegations that they had, in 2011 and previous seasons, made payments to players that were above the permitted level. The Board of Cricket Scotland’s decision is that DCC will be relegated one division within the structure of domestic cricket in Scotland. DCC have accepted this decision.” Dunfermline were accused of paying as many as six players when only one is permitted to receive payment though others may receive “reasonable expenses”.

The punishment will come as a major blow to the Fifers who only last year announced ambitious plans to develop McKane Park to one-day international standard.

Fauldhouse are likely to gain promotion from the East League to the Eastern Conference as a result of the demotion.