The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has today (27 September 2023) published an interim inquiry report into concerns raised about the charity ZesT Football Club (Scottish Charity Number SC052039).

OSCR opened an inquiry into the charity in April 2023 due to concerns relating to the overall management of the charity.

We have been in contact with the charity trustees to obtain information that will support our understanding of the current operations of the charity and the matters of concern. However, given the apparent lack of both charity trustees and adequate financial procedures and controls, OSCR considers it appropriate to issue an immediate direction to the charity not to undertake the following activities whilst we conduct further inquiries into its governance:

• any activity in furtherance of ZesT Football Club’s charitable purposes
• any financial transactions related to the governance or administration of the charity, except for refunding payments to individuals for cancelled football coaching and school holiday football camps. 

This direction does not pre-empt the final outcome of the inquiry. OSCR will publish an updated report when we consider it to be appropriate, but in line with our published policies will not otherwise comment on our ongoing work.

Read the section 33 interim inquiry report here.