Just days before the start of a new Scottish Premiership season, a report revealed through a freedom of information request to The Guardian exposed that top-tier clubs still owe more than €26 million to the Scottish government in interest-free loans granted during the pandemic. In total, 11 teams accepted financial aid in 2021 totaling nearly €29.6 million, but only about €3.25 million had been repaid by March 2025.

Rangers and Aberdeen are among the clubs with the largest outstanding debts, owing €3.25 million and more than €3.15 million respectively, despite reporting record revenues or major transfers in recent years. Although the deadline to repay the loans extends until 2042, the slow pace of repayment and high spending on player signings by several clubs have raised questions about the financial management of these public resources.

Big numbers, little repayment and renegotiated terms

Celtic was the only club in Scotland’s top flight to reject state assistance, while others have repaid only a fraction of the money received. For example, Hibernian, which recently signed Togolese player Thibault Klidjé for €820,000, still owes nearly €2.93 million from an original loan of €3.37 million. Other similar cases include Motherwell, with €3 million pending; Dundee United, with €3.11 million; and Livingston, with more than €1.87 million still unpaid.

The Scottish government has renegotiated payment terms with clubs like Hamilton, St Johnstone, Livingston, and Dundee United, and while it considers the commitment shown so far acceptable, the loan terms explicitly prohibit club executives from receiving bonuses or salary increases above inflation until the debts are cleared. The total outstanding balance of €26.3 million highlights the ongoing financial burden and the need for oversight in the use of public funds in professional football.