Cove Rangers handed transfer ban by SPFL after rule breaches

Cove Rangers has been handed a transfer ban by the SPFL after a number of rule breaches.

The League One club has been found guilty of failing to make a historical contractual payment to a player and failing to notify the SPFL.

The club also provided incorrect information to the league’s governing body when certifying it had no overdue payments to current or former players as of January 31, 2026.

A tribunal has imposed an embargo on new registrations until May 31 next year. The club have also been handed a £5,000 fine, £2,000 of which has been suspended.

An SPFL statement read: “An SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal has imposed a season-long registration embargo on Cove Rangers following a number of rule breaches.

“The William Hill League 1 club admitted at a hearing that it breached SPFL rules by failing to make a historic contractual payment to a player when due and then failed to notify the SPFL that it had been in default of that rule.

“The club was also found to have provided incorrect information to the SPFL when it certified that it had no overdue payables to current or former players as at January 31, 2026.

“Following these rule breaches by the club, the tribunal imposed a registration embargo which will remain in place until May 31, 2027 and a fine of £5,000 (£2,000 of which is suspended).

“The club has now made full payment to the player involved.”

Cove Rangers are considering appealing the decision.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Cove Rangers FC acknowledges the SPFL’s decision concerning a historic contractual payment from 2024 and subsequent reporting matters.

“The club is disappointed by the severity of the sanctions and is carefully reviewing the decision and considering all available options.”