Police probe at Saints
Cops investigate ‘historic issues’
A probe has been launched after a number of possible “financial irregularities” were uncovered at St Mirren Football Club.
Cops are investigating the club following the discovery of “historic issues” that were unearthed during a yearly review of the club’s books.
HMRC and Scottish football’s governing bodies have also been made aware of the investigation, in which club chiefs said they would fully cooperate.
In a statement, the club reassured fans that all actions taken at St Mirren were carried out in the best interest of the club and it remained “in a healthy and robust financial position”.
Tony Fitzpatrick, St Mirren chief executive said: “Fans can be confident that all actions taken are in the best interest of St Mirren to ensure it continues to be a club of which our supporters can be proud.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We’re investigating a report of possible financial irregularities involving a football club in the Paisley area. Enquiries are at an early stage.”
Police Scotland has confirmed it is investigating “financial irregularities” at St Mirren Football Club.
The probe was launched after “several historic issues” were found during an annual trawl of the Paisley club’s books.
St Mirren bosses yesterday said they will “cooperate fully” with the authorities after the investigation was launched.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We’re investigating a report of possible financial irregularities involving a football club in the Paisley area.
“Enquiries are at an early stage.” It’s understood HMRC have also been informed of the developments along with Scottish Football’s governing bodies.
Club bosses have now appointed a team of accountants who will carry out a “thorough forensic review of its operations” after SMISA and Kibble representatives called for action at November’s board meeting.
Tony Fitzpatrick, St Mirren chief executive, said: “The club has taken these steps to ensure that we continue to operate on a sound and compliant financial basis.
“I would also like to put on record our appreciation of the invaluable work, continued commitment and support of our club accountant in this matter.
“Fans can be confident that all actions taken are in the best interest of St Mirren to ensure it continues to be a club of which our supporters can be proud.”
A spokesman added: “We can reassure supporters that the club continues to operate strongly in the current pandemic climate and our club remains in a healthy and robust financial position.”
The Buddies are poised to become fan- owned next summer with an agreement lined up to see a partnership of fans and Paisley charity and social enterprise company Kibble take over at Greenhill Road.
Plans announced in January saw the St Mirren Independent Supporters Trust (SMISA) team up with the social care charity Kibble, which the club said “would transform how the club is owned and run”.
Last month the club revealed that St Mirren’s home is being renamed The SMISA Stadium.