Hearts stars waiting to learn if month’s wages will be paid on time

A NUMBER of Hearts players were today waiting to learn if they will receive this month’s wages on time.

Around five senior members of the first-team squad, believed to include club skipper Marius Zaliukas, defender Andy Webster and winger Andrew Driver, have been told that there may be a delay in receiving their monthly salary which is due to be paid today.

The remainder of the squad will receive their money on time, but the Tynecastle side has until close of business today to pay those affected by this latest cashflow problem.

Hearts claim that the temporary shortage of cash has come about because the SPL has only paid half of the £600,000 due to the club at the beginning of the season. To date, they have only received £300,000 and, already working to a tightened budget, that has forced them to inform their senior players of the possible delay.

New financial fair play rules were introduced in May and, if the club do fail to stump up the cash on time, they could be hit by SPL sanctions. However, Hearts would strenuously fight any punishment as the wages delay has been caused by a 
non-payment of monies due from the governing body itself.

Meanwhile, Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov yesterday declared a personal wealth of £42million as he prepares to run for President of Lithuania. He launched the Lithuanian People’s Party last year and has put himself up as the number one candidate on the list for the Lithuanian Parliament.

Part of the procedure for candidates who want to run for president is declaring their personal wealth in assets to Lithuania’s Central Election Commission.

Romanov’s wealth includes art, jewellery and property.