Dunfermline facing SFL action over lack of pay

Dunfermline Athletic have confirmed that players and other staff have received just 20 per cent of their monthly wages.

The Irn-Bru First Division club could now face Scottish Football League action, with players seeking PFA Scotland help to rectify the situation.

Club owner Gavin Masterton said in a statement: “We are currently in a position that only allows us to pay 20 per cent of February wages due to our staff and players today.

“We know this is not an acceptable position to be in and DAFC will be trying to get more funds out to staff as quickly as possible.”

Masterton moved to quell anger over his recent comments which appeared to play down the severity of the situation.

“The suggestion that the staff and players should somehow be happy they have jobs and accept late payment of wages is in the context of watching what has happened in other clubs when they have gone into administration which has resulted in immediate job losses,” he said.

Masterton, whose team are third in the Irn-Bru First Division but 13 points behind leaders Morton, added: “Strenuous efforts are being made to resolve the short and long-term difficulties being faced by Dunfermline Athletic Football Club and the club is working with existing backers as well as potential new ones to bring in finance to remedy this situation while preparing for the imminent launch 
of the share issue due next 
week, which was unexpectedly delayed last week.”

SFL rule 127 states a club cannot “breach any term of a player’s contract or agreement”.Cash-strapped Dunfermline are believed to have debts of more than £8 million owed to past and present directors.