Accrington Stanley fined £20k over James Beattie's lack of qualifications

Accrington Stanley have been fined £20,000 by the Football League after it was revealed that manager James Beattie does not hold the necessary UEFA coaching qualifications.

A Football League-appointed commission found that the former England striker, who has been in charge of the League Two club since May last year, doesn't have the required UEFA B licence for Leagues One and Two.

Of the £20,000, £15,000 will be suspended if Beattie achieves his B licence by May this year.

Stanley are currently 18th in the fourth tier, just three points above the relegation places.