SPL to rule on Hearts wage delay

Hearts shrugged off their wage worries to beat Dunfermline 4-0 on Saturday

The Scottish Premier League will rule in early January on the complaint made by Hearts players about delayed wage payments.

The SPL board discussed the issue at a meeting scheduled before the grievance was received on Friday evening.

A statement read: "The SPL board today considered the complaint from PFA Scotland on behalf of several PFA Scotland members.

"A sub-committee will adjudicate on the complaint at a hearing on 4 January."

First team players at Tynecastle were paid their November salaries 29 days late, while there was a 16-day delay for October's wages.

With wages due on the 16th of each month, there has been no payment made for December yet.

At a meeting last Thursday, frustrated players gave their union a mandate to raise the matter with the SPL.

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has signalled his intent to sell the club, with director Sergejus Fedetovas telling BBC Scotland last week that discussions were underway with interested parties.

PFA chief executive Fraser Wishart released a statement thanking the SPL for dealing with the matter so quickly.

He said: "Our members are delighted that the SPL will adjudicate upon their complaint early in the New Year.

"It is clear that the SPL board agrees that, unlike other contractual issues, this is not a matter that can take some time to deal with as our members continue to play without their December salary.

"It is our hope that the directors of Heart of Midlothian FC are able to source funding to pay the wages immediately and the complaint can be withdrawn as this is the only aim of our members action."