Bob Jamieson has insisted his HMFC Ltd. company is still the highest bidder for Scottish Premier League club Heart of Midlothian and denied claims that "he is now in dispute with the American investment firm backing him," according to Stephen Halliday of the SCOTSMAN.
Peebles-based businessman Jamieson has also condemned what he says is "malicious gossip" surrounding his attempt to purchase Hearts from administrators BDO.
HMFC Ltd., incorporated by former club shirt sponsor Jamieson earlier this year, "was one of three bidders to meet BDO’s deadline last week, along with united supporters group Foundation of Hearts and the Five Stars Football Ltd. company fronted by former Livingston Owner Angelo Massone." The HMFC Ltd. bid "has been placed in doubt" because Club 9 Sports, the North Carolina-based sports investment firm, is withholding £5M ($7.6M) which was to be used to buy the club.
Jamieson "has firmly rejected that version of events." Jamieson said, "It’s more malicious gossip designed to undermine the bid made by HMFC Limited. The fact remains that HMFC Limited is the highest bidder with a potential £45 million ($59M) U.S. investment to build a new 25,000 capacity stadium" (SCOTSMAN, 7/18). The HERALD SCOTLAND reported Hearts' hearing for the notice of complaint issued by the Scottish FA for the Tynecastle club going into administration "has been postponed until next month." The hearing was meant to take place Thursday, but the SFA released a short statement declaring that "due to the unavailability of tribunal members, today's judicial panel tribunal has been postponed" and it will now take place on Aug. 1 (HERALD SCOTLAND, 7/18). The Scotland DAILY RECORD reported possible punishments by the SFA "could include a fine or suspension or termination of membership from the governing body." Hearts "will start the first Scottish Professional Football League season with a 15-point penalty for moving into administration" (DAILY RECORD, 7/18).
