Aberbargoed Buds handed mammoth points deduction – relegated from Ardal South East
Cefn Hengoed, Wales 10 July 2021. JD Welsh Cup Qualifying Round One match between Cefn Hengoed and Aberbargoed Buds. Credit: Will Cheshire / Y Clwb Pel-Droed
Aberbargoed Buds have been handed a whopping 30-points by the Football Association of Wales and as a result, have been relegated from the Ardal South East.
The Buds had charges of playing ‘ineligible players’ who had been featuring in the youth teams of other clubs.
They had accumulated 31 points from the 30 games that they have played but have been left with just a single point, placing them at the bottom of the division.
It means that they will be relegated to the Gwent Premier Division alongside 15th placed Abertillery Excelsiors and Panteg, giving Rhayader Town a reprieve.
The club does have the option to appeal the decision but they feel it is a ‘dead end’ and are unlikely to pursue that option.
A statement from the club said: ‘Naturally the club feels disappointed with the outcome of the disciplinary panel’s decision as these temporary eligibility registrations were given by the approaching clubs and subsequently approved by the FAW without any notification given to Aberbargoed Buds.
‘The ability to appeal the FAW decision remains, but the club feels this is a dead end as the decision to prove the charges appears to have been made before the hearing had taken place.”
In the same division, Goytre – league leaders at the time – were given a 15-point deduction which was a major setback. They ended up finishing fifth, seven points off of a playoff spot. Treharris Athletic Western of the Ardal South West were given a 12-point deduction back in February.
Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Cymru Premier meanwhile lost 18 points after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.
