Accrington Stanley Fined £20,000
The Football League have made a statement about a Football Disciplinary Commission (FDC) hearing in to James Beattie and Accrington Stanley. The Regulation they’re in breach of relates to manager coaching qualifications. The Club have been fined £20,000 with £15,000 of that suspended until 1st May 2014 pending their manager obtaining the necessary qualification.
The statement on the Football League website says:-
The three-man commission, appointed under the Regulations of The Football League, found that Accrington Stanley, in appointing James Beattie as its first team manager, had breached Regulation 40 which requires managers of clubs in Leagues 1 and 2 to hold a UEFA B licence and be working towards a UEFA A licence within 3 years of their appointment.
The commission found that:
- James Beattie did not hold a UEFA B licence at the time of his appointment, nor has he achieved it subsequently.
- Accrington Stanley were reminded of their obligations under Regulation 40 by The Football League following the resignation of the Club’s previous manager (Leam Richardson) in April 2013, and, again following Beattie’s appointment the following month.
- As of the date of the FDC hearing (Jan 2014), James Beattie had still not attended a relevant
course or been able to confirm a place on a future course.
Accrington Stanley have the right to appeal the decision of the FDC within 14 days.
Stanley have issued the following brief statement:-
This is a regrettable situation and measures have been put in place to ensure that James Beattie has gained the required qualifications by the deadline of 1st May.
The club do not intend to appeal against the charge.
Accrington Stanley will make no further comment on this subject.