SCOTTISH CUP HOLDERS Hearts were given an indefinite transfer embargo on Thursday over their failure to make payments to their own players.
Hearts have been punished by the Scottish Premier League after failing to pay a number of bonuses and appearance payments.
It is understood some players are still awaiting bonus payments from the Edinburgh outfit following their Scottish Cup final win over Hibernian in May.
Hearts were initially placed under a 60-day transfer embargo in October for failing to pay their players and some staff their monthly wages on time for two consecutive months.
That sanction was due to end on December 23, but will now continue until the owed money is paid.
A statement from the SPL read: “As a result, and as described in SPL Rule A6.23, Heart of Midlothian is subject to an embargo on the registration of players until such time as the SPL board is satisfied that the remuneration default no longer continues.”
Hearts acknowledged the SPL’s statement, while insisting cup final bonus payments have been made.
A notice on the club’s official Twitter page read: “All Scottish Cup Final bonuses have been paid.”
A statement on the club website read: “Heart of Midlothian today received notification from the SPL of an embargo on the registration of players in relation to an alleged remuneration default.
“The club is consulting with its legal advisors and will make no further comment at this time.”
