Hearts will begin next season with a 15-point deduction after moving into administration.
The Scottish Premier League confirmed the automatic penalty had been triggered by the club lodging their intention to go into administration at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Monday.
Press Association Sport understands the appointment of BDO as administrators was finalised on Wednesday and will be confirmed by the insolvency practitioners shortly.
In the meantime, the SPL released a statement of its own, outlining the impact of the administration.
The statement read: "Following Heart of Midlothian plc lodging a notice of intention to appoint an administrator with the Court of Session in Edinburgh on 17 June 2013, the SPL confirmed that a number of sporting sanctions have been applied to the club."
An SPL spokesperson added: "As Heart of Midlothian is subject to an insolvency event, a 15-point deduction will be applied to its total points in the league championship for next season 2013/14.
"In addition, Heart of Midlothian is subject to an embargo on registering players with the SPL whilst in administration."
Source: PA
