Cove Rangers Hit with Season-Long Registration Ban by SPFL

Cove Rangers are "considering all available options" after the Scottish Professional Football League imposed a season-long registration embargo on the Scottish League 1 club. The SPFL announced the sanction following breaches related to a historic contractual payment and subsequent reporting failures.

According to the SPFL, Cove admitted failing to make a contractual payment to a player when due and then failing to notify the league that they had been in default of that rule. The club was also found to have provided incorrect information when certifying that it had no overdue payables to current or former players as of 31 January 2026. The club has since made full payment to the player involved.

A tribunal imposed a registration embargo that will remain in place until 31 May 2027, along with a £5,000 fine, £2,000 of which is suspended. The embargo prevents the club from registering new players during that period.

In a statement, Cove Rangers acknowledged the SPFL's decision regarding the historic contractual payment from 2024 and the subsequent reporting matters. The club expressed disappointment at the severity of the sanctions and confirmed it is carefully reviewing the decision and considering all available options.

The sanction comes as Cove, managed by Paul Hartley, sit second bottom of League 1 with five points from their opening eight fixtures, just one point above Queen of the South. The registration ban could significantly impact the club's ability to strengthen its squad as it battles to avoid relegation.

While the club has not indicated whether it will appeal, the SPFL's decision underscores the league's enforcement of financial regulations. Supporters will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and what it means for the team's performance on the pitch.

Source: BBC Sport

Image: SNS / BBC Sport