The Southern league is owed almost $250,00 by clubs — and has told them to pay up

With clubs owing almost $250,000, the Southern league says they won’t play for premiership points unless they settle their accounts.

Southern CEO Lee Hartman says it’s time clubs start paying their way.

Pay up or don’t play for points.

That’s the message from Southern officials as they move on clubs who owe money to the league.

Leader understands a report at the league AGM in December said the debt had blown out in the past 12 months to almost $250,000.

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SFNL chief executive officer Lee Hartman said clubs had been told they would not be playing for premiership points unless their accounts were settled by the start of the season.

“I think for too long their debt to the league has been last on their payables list,’’ Hartman said.

“We had a chat about it at the AGM. That mindset needs to change and they have to make sure they’re paying their league bills on time so we can all live harmoniously.

“There’s no doubt the amount owed by the clubs is the highest it’s ever been.

“I don’t want to put a figure on it, but it’s quite large. It’s quite sizeable. After meeting with the clubs at the AGM and meeting with the clubs individually since the AGM, we’ll have it squared away by the start of the season.

“We actually have bylaws in place around unfinancial clubs playing for premiership points and playing in finals, and they will be adhered to going forward.’’

Hartman said “six or seven’’ clubs were in debt to Southern.

He said it put financial pressure on the league because it had costs like wages in the off-season and also had to contribute $250,000 to the Moorabbin Reserve redevelopment.

“That affected our cash flow. That’s why we had to get tough with some of the clubs,’’ Hartman said.

Mt Waverley has been fixtured in Division 3.

He said clubs that paid their affiliation and other fees were understandably annoyed with those that hadn’t and wanted something done.

Meanwhile Mt Waverley continues to fight for its future after almost going into recess for a second time.

The Mountain Lions have been placed in Division 3 and replaced by Heatherton in Division 2.

Hartman said Mt Waverley was in the throes of appointing a coach and confirming its playing list.

“Hopefully they’ll be right but there’s still a lot of work to be done,’’ he said.

Hartman said the league sounded out the top few clubs in Division 3 about going up to Division 2 but they all declined.

“Some had no interest, some didn’t think they’d be able to do it financially, but when they were relegated Heatherton saw themselves as a second division club and they saw this a great opportunity to go back there and compete at that level.’’

Hartman said it would be challenging for the Tonners “but they’re excited to be back in Division 2 and kudos to them for putting their hand up and having a go.’’