Rhostyllen have been hit with a 54-point deduction after a mix-up over the registration of top scorer Tom Douglas.
Striker Douglas, who scored 30 goals in the Welsh National League this season, was apparently not registered properly after his registration lacked ‘the sufficient international clearance’, breaking FAW Rule 68.
The club are now ‘waiting ‘in limbo’ on their status for next season after feeling the joy of securing a Tier Three Certificate. But now, they face the dejection of a substantial points deduction.
A member from the club says they are unlikely to appeal against the decision due to ‘the FAW making it too costly’.
In an exclusive interview with LeaderLive, committee member Josh Jones revealed the charge that may now affect what division they play in next season.
“On the 26th June, we were informed by the FAW that we had breached FAW Rule 68 regarding the registration of attacker Tom Douglas.
“The charge was in relation to not having the sufficient International Transfer Clearance.
“Tom was signed on the 26th July and his form was submitted on the 27th, far in advance of the up and coming season.
“Tom had previously played Sunday league football so when asked about previous clubs he stated he had only played on a Sunday and therefore our old secretary did not state a previous club.
“On his registration form, pre-submission, we correctly filled in his address and nationality.
“Submitted successfully, now registered on the Comet system, being used in the Welsh football pyramid, we as a club presumed that he was officially registered and could be played.
“We as club accept any wrongdoing and want to help ensure no other club falls foul of this extremely simple administrative error.”
Rhostyllen’s deduction is not the only time that clubs have been hit with a heavy penalty.
In 1991, Welshpool Town were deducted 66 points for fielding an ineligible player.
It saw them go from 11-point champions of the Cymru Alliance to bottom with just one point registered against their name.
In more recent times, Bangor City had initially been given a 42-point deduction, but following a positive result from their re-hearing, they were only deducted 21 and retained their second-tier status.
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