Scottish football clubs owe more than £22m to government in Covid loans

11 clubs have repaid only £2.78m up to March 2025Rangers owe £2.78m and Aberdeen more than £2.7mMore than £22m in Covid-related loans from the Scottish government to football clubs remained outstanding at the end of the last financial year, it has been revealed following a Guardian freedom of information request on the eve of a new Scottish Premiership season.Eleven clubs, then all in the top flight, opted to take interest-free loans totalling £25.26m in 2021 to assist with business recovery from the pandemic. While terms on the loans mean full repayment is not due until 2042, the scale of moneys still outstanding is likely to turn heads as many top-flight outfits continue to spend freely and receive decent transfer fees for players. Several clubs have also received significant European revenues over recent seasons. Clubs lower down the Scottish football food chain also received Covid grants. Two of them, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dumbarton, have subsequently entered administration. Continue reading...

Comments

Sport news

The Times' City Section preseason football rankings

LA Times

Fake sick notes, lying wives, tantrums, intimidation and massive paydays: Exposed - the murky world of footballers trying to force a move, why clubs are powerless and how to spot a 'transfer terrorist'

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Travis Kelce gushes over Taylor Swift with rare public statement about his superstar girlfriend

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

How Max Dowman dominated Arsenal's Asia tour at just 15 - and what Mikel Arteta has planned next for 'Kaka clone' who wowed Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard but hasn't even finished his GCSEs yet

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Revealed: The tour where British and Irish Lions decided to take on Australian Rules Football teams in their own backyard - and WON

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

How Finn Russell became the Lions' Andrea Pirlo... and why his cheeky little brother has been key to his domination Down Under

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

The top 10 Lions tours, ranked: Where does the class of 2025 sit and how high would a whitewash take them?

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Ex-Lakers star Anthony Davis puts stunning $40million mansion up for sale after being traded

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Family of boy sexually groomed by Sydney Swans Junior Academy Coach to sue the AFL club in multimillion-dollar legal battle

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Son Heung-min tells Tottenham he wants to LEAVE - and club captain could play final match on Sunday in South Korea

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Could Pep Guardiola's 'imminent' divorce 'hurt Man City'? Sources close to legendary boss say there is 'more urgency' to finalise split as start of season approaches

about 2 hours ago

Keenan Allen could be nearing a potential reunion with the Chargers

LA Times

Revealed: How long Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio could face in prison as prosecutors seek sentence - after he allegedly shared explicit video involving a minor

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Man United set to host fans at Old Trafford for away game screenings in 'pub-like' venue - and this is how much it will cost

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Al-Nassr 'plot new bombshell move for Bruno Fernandes' just weeks after hiring Man United captain's former boss - as manager 'eyes Portuguese link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix'

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Revealed: Benjamin Sesko 'decides' between Man United and Newcastle as £70m summer transfer saga nears dramatic conclusion

about 4 hours ago

Lions vs Australia: Third Test kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, h2h, odds for today

Evening Standard

Comments

Similar News

NO ONE LIKES US... WE DON'T CARE! Scottish football panto villains Livingston are back in the big time and keen to defy critics once again

GASS IS SHEER CLASS! New Rangers star Djeidi Gassama will strike fear in the hearts of Scottish Premiership defenders, predicts Ibrox team-mate Max Aarons

First Minister John Swinney admits women's football in Scotland has been 'neglected' ... and says Scottish Government will consider investing more in the game after Lionesses' success

Trump caps his Scottish visit by opening a new golf course

Scottish referees could be mic'd up next season to explain VAR decisions to fans

Scottish football using aeroplane pilots to help VAR as Willie Collum makes 'life or death' cockpit comparison

Stranraer prepares to host 2025 Scottish Fin and Foil Championships

Ipswich spoil Aberdeen party as Jimmy Thelin's shake up after Scottish Cup glory becomes clear – 5 talking points

Who is Oscar Onley? The talented Scottish climber breaking through at the Tour de France

Scottish Golf handed James Bond boost as they team up with Sean Connery Foundation to support women's game

Who is Oscar Onley? The talented Scottish climber breaking through at the Tour de France

Josh Taylor retires aged 34 as undisputed Scottish boxing hero told by doctors his career is over

Scottish Lions shine in dominant first half in Brisbane... but Farrell's men have much to improve on

Former World number one tips Scottish golf prodigy everybody is raving about to go all the way

Finn Russell’s redemption at the heart of different Scottish Lions story

European qualification is a tonic all Scottish clubs want to savour ... but it can also be a POISONED CHALICE

Scottish Rally Championship battle heading to Dumfries and Galloway for RSAC Scottish Rally

British and Irish Lions: Andy Farrell makes history with all-Scottish midfield for first Australia Test

US owners have taken over half of the Scottish Premiership – what’s in it for them?

Bob MacIntyre feels ready to banish his Scottish Open blues at Portrush

Sport news

The Times' City Section preseason football rankings

Keenan Allen visiting with Chargers as rumors of possible reunion swirl

Mets’ new super bullpen takes shape after busy trade deadline

This is the version of Jalin Hyatt that Giants fans have been dreaming about

Micah Parsons next team odds: The favorites to land the star pass rusher after Cowboys trade demand

Nick Folk’s Jets reunion is far more than a favor for an old friend

Carlos Correa opens up on surreal Astros reunion: ‘Never thought this would happen’

David Bednar, Jake Bird ready to get thrown into the fire on contending Yankees

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard suspended in latest controversy

Cameron Young in the lead when Wyndham Championship halted by storms

2-time defending champion Jessica Pegula upset by Sevastova in 3rd round in Montreal

Can Jhoan Duran's 100 mph fastball and Harrison Bader's defense lead Phillies to a World Series?

Carlos Correa is back with the Astros -- this time at third base

Japan's Miyu Yamashita and Rio Takeda pull away from the field at Women's British Open

Jake Retzlaff still loves BYU but expresses faith in his fresh start at Tulane

Mariners reliever Trent Thornton carted off field after injury coming off mound in 9th inning

Zimbabwe facing a big defeat in first test against New Zealand

Newcomers Helsley, Rogers and Mullins join Mets in the thick of a pennant race

A winner either way: José Caballero traded from Rays to Yankees while teams were playing each other

Fake sick notes, lying wives, tantrums, intimidation and massive paydays: Exposed - the murky world of footballers trying to force a move, why clubs are powerless and how to spot a 'transfer terrorist'

Travis Kelce gushes over Taylor Swift with rare public statement about his superstar girlfriend

How Max Dowman dominated Arsenal's Asia tour at just 15 - and what Mikel Arteta has planned next for 'Kaka clone' who wowed Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard but hasn't even finished his GCSEs yet

Revealed: The tour where British and Irish Lions decided to take on Australian Rules Football teams in their own backyard - and WON

How Finn Russell became the Lions' Andrea Pirlo... and why his cheeky little brother has been key to his domination Down Under

The top 10 Lions tours, ranked: Where does the class of 2025 sit and how high would a whitewash take them?

Ex-Lakers star Anthony Davis puts stunning $40million mansion up for sale after being traded

Family of boy sexually groomed by Sydney Swans Junior Academy Coach to sue the AFL club in multimillion-dollar legal battle

Son Heung-min tells Tottenham he wants to LEAVE - and club captain could play final match on Sunday in South Korea

Could Pep Guardiola's 'imminent' divorce 'hurt Man City'? Sources close to legendary boss say there is 'more urgency' to finalise split as start of season approaches

Keenan Allen could be nearing a potential reunion with the Chargers

Longtime NFL running back Latavius Murray retires at 35

‘Explosive Cat’ Abdul Carter makes his talent abundantly clear in impressive day at Giants camp

Justin Fields shows off consistency, chemistry with receivers at Jets camp

Here’s what NFL Network could look like at ESPN after bombshell media deal

Best buds Micah McFadden, Bobby Okereke on an important Giants mission in the middle

Lionesses star fined for driving offence days after winning the Euros with England

Lionel Messi's bodyguard hit with new suspension three months after revealing he was banned from MLS

Deion Sanders ends interview abruptly after Karreuche Tran question amid rumors he's dating Chris Brown's ex

Dragons forward Jack de Belin to face ex‑cop who lied in sexual assault case that was ultimately dropped

Washington Commanders move step closer to $3.7bn DC stadium… but Donald Trump threat still looms large

NFL WAG reveals brutal reality of the league after her husband's shock release in wake of horrific neck injury

WNBA commissioner opens up on Caitlin Clark... as league is rocked by protests and bullying claims

Revealed: How long Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio could face in prison as prosecutors seek sentence - after he allegedly shared explicit video involving a minor

Man United set to host fans at Old Trafford for away game screenings in 'pub-like' venue - and this is how much it will cost

Al-Nassr 'plot new bombshell move for Bruno Fernandes' just weeks after hiring Man United captain's former boss - as manager 'eyes Portuguese link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix'

Revealed: Benjamin Sesko 'decides' between Man United and Newcastle as £70m summer transfer saga nears dramatic conclusion

Lions vs Australia: Third Test kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, h2h, odds for today

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Fixtures and pool stage draw in full as England look to reclaim title

Benjamin Sesko U-turns over Manchester United transfer after Newcastle talks

Michelle Obama compares ESPN theatrics to watching ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’

Anthony Davis selling palatial LA mansion for nearly $40 million after controversial trade

Why Tyreek Hill thought pointed Tua Tagovailoa comments ‘were needed’ after controversial end to season

Jeff Passan goes to war with former MLB player on X

Cowboys take stance following Micah Parsons’ trade demand

Cade Horton tosses 2-hit ball over 5 innings as Cubs beat Orioles 1-0

Deion Sanders dodges Karrueche Tran question as dating rumors swirl

The crazy list of prospects — and eventual stars — Padres GM A.J. Preller has traded