The owner of crisis-hit Cardiff Devils, Bob Phillips, has been fined more than �20,000 for breaching Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL) rules.

He has also been suspended from having any involvement with the league until he settles his debts.

The fines follow a meeting of the ISL's Standards Committee.

Legal action

It considered charges that Mr Phillips and fellow Devils director Michael Purcell-Jones had failed to pay all the money owed to members of last season's squad.

The players are threatening legal action against Mr Phillips, claiming they are still owed �70,000.

The committee fined the club �10,000 for failing to pay wages on time and a further �10,000 for failing to pay some money at all.

Smaller fines were imposed over the non-payment of debts to the ISL and the London Knights.

It also banned Mr Phillips and Mr Purcell-Jones from having any further involvement with the Superleague until the debts are settled.

Illicit payments

Mr Phillips is currently planning to let a British National League team play out the Wales National Ice Rink, on which he holds the lease.

The Standards Committee also discussed allegations that the Grand Slam winning Sheffield Steelers broke the �450,000 salary limit and made illicit payments to players.

The meeting also assessed claims that the owners of the Newcastle Jesters failed to pay all the money owed to players.

The committee's findings will be referred back to an ISL board meeting on 18 July before being made public.

The Steelers could be stripped of the four titles they won last season if they are found guilty of the charges.

Meanwhile, in Superleague transfer news:

Belfast Giants: Rod Stevens, Rob Stewart and Paxton Schulte have signed contracts to stay with the Northern Ireland franchise.

Bracknell Bees: The club's all-time leading scorer, Chris Brant, is leaving after 7 seasons to return to BNL outfit, Basingstoke Bison.

Nottingham Panthers: Former Newcastle Jesters forward Joel Poirier has signed for Alex Dampier's side.