Covid-19 is costing clubs last term’s cash
Neil Doncaster has explained coronavirusrelated issues are behind the delay in clubs receiving a share of last season’s TV money.
The curtailed 2019- 20 campaign saw clubs due a total of £ 1- million, which still hasn’t been paid.
Doncaster insists the SPFL can’t pay clubs their share of the money until their accounts are signed off for the year.
He said: “Like every other aspect of life around the world, Covid has caused some complications and delays.
“In terms of UEFA solidarity, that’s normally paid out in October and November, but that’s been delayed until probably closer to Christmas.
“As soon as we get our accounts signed off, what other fees are due to clubs from last season, we’ll be able to pay out any remaining amounts.
“But in the scheme of things, £ 1m is frankly not going to be much of a solution.
“The UK Government has provided an additional £ 6.5bn to the Scottish Government to deal with Covid- related harm, and Scottish clubs have seen none of that.
“Not a penny.”
“As for the delay in the accounts being signed off, like everything else related to Covid, there clearly are complications in terms of getting deals done.
“We’ve had a number of conversations with overseas broadcasters in particular.
“Clearly, that causes a slight delay to the accounts.
“There’s no concerns or issue, it’s just a question of going through the process which is taking slightly longer than usual.”
He continued: “The audit committee – which I don’t sit on – when they are ready, will present a set of accounts to the board which, I hope, the board will sign off.
“Once those accounts are signed off from last season, then any fees due to clubs from last season will be paid out.”
It is understood that the SPFL hope to publish their accounts by the end of next month.
Queen’s Park have distanced themselves from reports that Leeann Dempster could become their chief executive.
She left Easter Road in midweek after nearly seven years with the Easter Road club.
Queen’s President, David Hunter, said: “We have nothing to say, and we will not comment on speculation.”