Dumbarton deducted 15 points after club placed into administration

Dumbarton Football Club have been deducted 15 points as a result of going into administration.

The League One side, one of the oldest clubs in the country, announced on Tuesday that they had entered administration amid ongoing financial troubles and concerns over its long-term future.

Administrators Quantuma said directors “were left with no option” after failing to receive money owed from the sale of development land in 2021.

The Scottish Professional Football League has now confirmed that the club have been deducted the points that will leave them bottom of the third tier.

Fellow League One side Inverness Caledonian Thistle suffered the same fate earlier this season.

The Highland club are now four points ahead of Dumbarton following the penalty that leaves the West Dunbartonshire club on 0 points after 14 games of the current campaign.

An SPFL statement said: “The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today confirmed the imposition of a 15-point deduction for Dumbarton, in line with SPFL rules on member clubs suffering an insolvency event.

“The William Hill League One table has been updated accordingly.”

Latest club accounts show Dumbarton were owed more than £1.6m, and that a payment of £300,000 against that loan had not been paid to the club, with its accounts stating: “The recovery of this debtor is dependent on the successful completion of a residential development on the land sold.

“The developer has experienced a number of challenges and at the date of signing these accounts discussions remain ongoing with planning authorities to obtain detailed planning permission and work on the development has not yet commenced.”

Last month, a private individual had to step in to pay wages at the club, STV News understands.

Glasgow-based financial advisors Quantuma were appointed as administrators for the club on Tuesday.

Ian Wright, Quantuma managing director and joint administrator, said: “Craig Morrison and I were appointed joint administrators of Dumbarton FC on November 18, 2024.

“The directors of the club were left with no option other than to appoint administrators, following the non-receipt of significant funds that were owed to the club from the sale of development land in 2021.

“As administrators, we will be investigating the circumstances surrounding this transaction and other issues affecting the club, but will not be in a position to comment further at this time. Our immediate priority is to ensure the club can complete its fixtures and we will be meeting with key stakeholders to ensure this can be achieved.

“We understand this will be a shock to fans, staff and the local community.

“The club employs 18 playing staff, six football staff and three club staff whose roles are secure whilst we work through the early stages of assessing the options available to the club.

“We would invite any interested parties to come forward.”

Formed in 1872, Dumbarton have won two Scottish league titles, including sharing the first-ever title with Rangers back in 1891, and the Scottish Cup in 1883.

They have also won the second tier on two occasions (1911, 1972) and the third (1992) and fourth (2009) on one occasion each.

Club majority owners Cognitive Capital contacted for comment.