CRISIS-TORN Hamilton owe the owners of their ground over £500,000 in unpaid rent.

The Championship side, owned by the 1874 Holdings company run by Seref Zengin, have been hit with a whopping 15-point deduction.

Seref Zengin at a soccer match.

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Seref Zengin, owner of Hamilton AcademicalCredit: Kenny RamsayHAMILTON, SCOTLAND - MAY 13: A general stadium view during a cinch Championship play-off semi-final second leg match between Hamilton Academical and Alloa Athletic at the ZLX Stadium, on May 13, 2023, in Hamilton, Scotland. (Photo by Euan Cherry / SNS Group)

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The club owe over half a million in rent for New Douglas Park

They were also fined £9,000 for breaching “multiple SPFL Rules” by an independent disciplinary tribunal on Thursday.

Accies are tenants at New Douglas Park — which is owned by former club owner Colin McGowan. He handed ownership of the football club to Accies director Zengin’s company in July 2023.

But it’s emerged the club haven’t paid rent on the stadium for over a year.

Accies’ last published accounts — for the year ended 30 June 2023 — show a “balance due to HAFC Stadium Limited of £272,204”.

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However, SunSport understands that figure has since doubled.

There is also doubt over whether Accies will be able to use the stadium for their fixtures next season.

The club are understood to be keen to buy the stadium — and McGowan wants to sell — but they have been unable to come to any agreement.

Twelve of the 15-point deduction was down to “remuneration defaults in respect of six players”.

Accies launched an appeal with the SFA following a board meeting earlier today.

But they could theoretically be relegated from the Championship this weekend.

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If John Rankin’s side don’t beat Queen’s Park they would be relegated to League One pending the outcome of any appeal.

A statement from the club’s board read: “Hamilton Academical Football Club can confirm following a board meeting this afternoon that we shall be launching an appeal against the SPFL Tribunal Determination communicated to us yesterday.

“At this time, we are unable to provide any further comments on the matter.

“We kindly ask for the continued backing of the players and management team as we enter the final three crucial games of the season. Your support plays a vital role in driving the team forward, and it will be more important than ever as we push for a strong finish.

“Thank you for your understanding and support.”

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