GUILTY VERDICT THREATENS LIVVY

LIVINGSTON’S future could be at risk after the SFA yesterday found the Championship club guilty of breaking regulations on dual ownership. An SFA Disciplinary Tribunal, which began hearing evidence in October, has ruled that principal shareholder Neil Rankine also holds an interest in League Two outfit East Fife. And the governing body have given him until April 10 to dispose of his stake in either Livingston or the Methil outfit. Should he refuse to do so, the governing body, who have found the Lions guilty of breaching rules 1, 7, 21, and 86, could suspend Livingston’s licence. The severity of the punishment will be determined on whether Rankine relinquishes either shareholding. The Disciplinary Panel will reconvene on February 13 when it is expected that Livingston will give the SFA an update of Rankine’s intentions. Rankine owns a 50-percent shareholding in the West Lothian outfit’s parent company Livingston 5 Limited, which in turn controls 96 per cent of the club. And the SFA have decided that he also holds an interest at the Fife outfit through majority East Fife shareholder Loraine Johnston Twigg. An SFA statement read: ‘All breaches established. The panel have continued the hearing until Friday, February 13, 2015, pending further submissions from the club.’ After finding Livingston guilty, the Scottish Professional Football League are also dutybound to carry out their own investigation. And it is thought privately the SPFL are concerned over the punishment that will be meted out by their Hampden counterparts. Suspending Livingston’s licence would mean that they would be prevented from playing games of any kind. The Almondvale outfit would also be allowed to appeal against any punishment. Rankine declined to comment on the matter yesterday. The SFA recently dropped a charge relating to Dumbarton that was part of the initial Notice of Complaint that was issued last August. Rankine has admitted he is still due around £200,000 after selling Dumbarton in 2008 for £1.6million. Yesterday’s verdict is the latest controversy to have affected Livingston this season. They were hit with a five-point penalty and £10,000 fine by the SPFL in November after defaulting on payments to HMRC. Rankine has also previously warned that Livvy could be forced into a third administration if former chief executive Ged Nixon is successful in suing the club for around £300,000. That case is due to be heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh early next month. Livingston are bottom of the Championship and host Cowdenbeath today.