Owner and director of Hamilton Accies banned from running club

The Scottish FA says it has written to club to notify that, following investigation, Seref Zengin and Gerry Strain are not fit and proper to hold a position within Association Football, in accordance with Scottish FA Article 10.3.

The board has determined that both Zengin and Strain shall not, with immediate effect, carry out any role at the club which would require them to be listed on the club’s official return, be involved in any capacity in the management or administration of the club or exert any power to influence the management or administration of the club.

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It comes as the board has acknowledged Zengin’s responsibility for financial matters at the club during a period when Hamilton Accies has demonstrated serious and sustained financial mismanagement, by repeatedly failing to pay individuals and organisations on time, including players, HMRC and employee pension funds.

Meanwhile, the board reached the following conclusion as a result of Strain’s direct involvement in the below matters relating to the club:

• The various charges contained in the SPFL Notice of Complaint served on the club on 4 April 2025, which were upheld at first instance and on appeal
• The club ’s removal from the Club Academy Scotland (CAS) programme following its failure to secure a CAS award for 2025 as a result of not meeting several CAS criteria, principally around child wellbeing, which resulted in a material adverse impact on others involved in the game, including young players and other CAS clubs
• The conclusion reached by an independent third party who conducted a Case Review into a child wellbeing matter involving the club on behalf of the Scottish FA that Mr Strain failed to meet the minimum standards contained in the “Responding to Concerns as per Scottish FA Child Wellbeing and Protection Policy”; and the charges brought against the club by the SPFL regarding breaches of various SPFL rules relating to the payment of amateur and trialist players, which were upheld at first instance and not appealed by the club.

Strain’s conduct in these matters has led to several sanctions being imposed on the club.

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The club has been directed by the board to take all steps necessary to ensure its compliance.

Should it fail to do so, the club may face disciplinary proceedings and sanctions under and in accordance with the Judicial Panel Protocol.

The Scottish FA has informed the club to write to them within seven days to outline the steps it intends to take to ensure it complies with its legal obligations following the implementation of the determination referred to above.

For more information, visit www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-statement-hamilton-academical-fc/?rid=13929