Dunfermline escape with transfer ban

Dunfermline Athletic have escaped with a transfer embargo following a Scottish Football Association disciplinary hearing into their insolvency.

The Irn-Bru First Division club were found guilty of breaking the SFA’s rules by entering administration but their punishment complements a sanction already imposed by the Scottish Football League. The SFA ruling means Dunfermline will be unable to sign any player aged over 21 until the end of the year.

Administrator Bryan Jackson said: “Whilst not welcoming any sanctions which limit the club’s ability to perform, I believe that we got a fair hearing from the SFA and that they adequately took into account the specific circumstances that we face at Dunfermline.

“Whilst we are awaiting the written official judgment it is unlikely that we will be appealing this decision.”

The SFL previously imposed the same transfer ban until the club come out of administration and issued a 15-point deduction, which ultimately consigned the Pars to the play-offs.

Dunfermline lost 3-1 at Forfar in the first leg of their semi-final and have set prices for tomorrow’s second leg at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.