Last updated on .From the section Football

Livingston escaped relegation this season

Livingston have been cleared to sign players again after having an embargo lifted by the Scottish FA.

The sanction was imposed on the Scottish Championship club in April because of majority shareholder Neil Rankine's involvement with East Fife.

But Gordon Ford has since become the largest shareholder.

And the club announced: "Livingston FC is delighted to announce the SFA signing embargo has this morning been lifted with immediate effect."

Seven members of Livingston's first-team squad have left the club after they avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

Head coach Mark Burchill told the club website of his relief at an SFA decision that allows him to add to his squad.

"The signing embargo being lifted is fantastic news for the club and we can now move forwards in building a squad for the forthcoming season," he said.

"It has been a frustrating time for myself and everyone else involved with the club.

"And now, with this news, alongside Gordon Ford being named as the new majority shareholder, hopefully this is the beginning of a new and exciting era for Livingston."