Hearts say tax bill now settled

Storm clouds have been gathering over Tynecastle Stadium

Hearts have announced they have now paid in full an outstanding tax bill that threatened their existence.

A winding-up petition was presented to the Court of Session by the Advocate General for Scotland on 27 January.

And it was published on 7 February, with HMRC giving the Edinburgh club eight days to pay.

Last year, Hearts were forced to pay a bill in the region of £500,000 to defeat a similar order, while others were served in 2009 and 2010.

On the day when Scottish Premier League rivals Rangers went into administration following the Glasgow club's own battle with HMRC, Hearts say their bill has now been settled.

"Heart of Midlothian FC today announces that the outstanding amount due to HMRC in relation to the recent winding up notice has been paid in full," said a statement on the club's website.

Hearts' financial predicament has been highlighted by the delayed payment of player wages.

January was the first time in four months the players received their salaries on time, with Hearts avoiding unlimited sanctions from the SPL as a result.