Hearts pay tax bill in full

Hearts have announced they have now paid an outstanding tax bill in full.

A winding-up petition was presented to the Court of Session by the Advocate General for Scotland on January 27 and published on February 7, with HMRC giving the Edinburgh club eight days to pay.

Last year, Hearts were forced to pay a bill in the region of £500,000 to defeat a similar order, while others were served in 2009 and 2010.

At a time when Rangers' own battle with HMRC has been dominating the headlines, Hearts say their bill has now been settled.

A statement on the club's website read: "Heart of Midlothian FC today announces that the outstanding amount due to HMRC in relation to the recent winding up notice has been paid in full."

Hearts' financial predicament has been highlighted by the delayed payment of player wages.

January was the first time in four months the players received their salaries on time, with Hearts avoiding unlimited sanctions from the Scottish Premier League as a result.

PA