Cove Rangers have been banned from registering new players until 31 May 2027 after an SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal found the League One club breached rules over a historic player payment and inaccurate financial certification.
The Aberdeen-based club admitted failing to make a contractual payment to a player when it was due, then failing to notify the SPFL that it was in default. It was also found to have given incorrect information when certifying that it had no overdue payables to current or former players as of 31 January 2026.
The tribunal imposed a season-long registration embargo, meaning Cove Rangers cannot make new signings without SPFL approval until the end of May next year. The club was also fined £5,000, of which £2,000 has been suspended.
In a statement, Cove Rangers said it acknowledged the decision relating to a historic contractual payment from 2024 and subsequent reporting matters. The club said it was disappointed by the “severity” of the sanctions and is reviewing the decision and considering all available options.
The embargo is a major blow for the League One side, preventing recruitment for the remainder of the current campaign and leaving any new registrations subject to league approval until the restriction expires.
The SPFL confirmed that the player involved has since been paid in full.