Hamilton Academical have lodged their appeal against a 15-point deduction imposed by the SPFL.
And an SFA Judicial Panel could pass final judgement on the matter before the conclusion of the Championship season next Friday night.
Charged with ‘multiple breaches’ of league rules the Lanarkshire club were docked 15 points and fined £9000 by an SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal after they were found guilty late payment of players, failing to act in "good faith" when dealing with the SPFL over the removal of a transfer embargo, incorrect information regarding stadium ownership and the loss of their bronze club licence.
Now eight points adrift of Airdrie with two games left to play relegation is certain unless the punishment is overturned.
Protocol states that Judicial Panel members will assess Hamilton’s submission to ensure that it meets the grounds for an appeal.
Should it meet thee criteria a hearing date will be confirmed by the governing body in the coming days and efforts will be made to convene a hearing before the conclusion of the Championship season next Friday, when Hamilton finish the season with a visit to Falkirk.
Lingering uncertainty over Hamilton’s fate poses issues for the likes of Dunfermline, Queen’s Park and Airdrie. While the teams around Accies are safe if the SPFL punishment stands, a successful appeal would raise awkward questions over the timing of the punishment and the impact it might have had on performances.
Tempers boiled over at New Douglas Park last weekend when a Hamilton director was the subject of an alleged assault with a bottle at half-time of last weekend’s 0-0 with Queen’s Park.
A senior steward also required treatment for a facial injury as chairman Jock Brown and former Labour defence minister George Robertson left before the final whistle.
