Jamie retweetledi
Club Statement
Clevedon Town Football Club are saddened to update that despite a decision by the FA to quash an original decision made by the Western League, to everyone’s disbelief a decision to deduct six points from our playing record following a technical administrative issue when registering a loan player earlier this season, will still be applied. We are deeply disappointed by the severity of the sanction given the full circumstances:
Despite the Football Association originally completing an investigation and issuing a warning and concluding that no formal action was required in relation to the technical administration issue, the Western League had originally applied the maximum points deduction available to them:
•Despite exceptional circumstances being presented
• Despite signed loan agreement documentation being submitted between both clubs involved and the player to the Western League several days prior to the player making any appearance.
• Despite evidence the player was registered with the Western League prior to making any appearances.
• Despite an approval from the Western League and the player showing on the registered players squad list on the League’s Full Time system prior to the player making a single appearance.
• Despite evidence indicating further club due diligence in contacting two different county FA departments to clarify availability to play, and gaining confirmation prior to the player making any appearance.
• Despite the Western League making a finding that “the club had been responsive and collaborative during the process therefore the maximum fine should not be reached,” they nevertheless issued the maximum points deduction available at that time.
We would like to thank the FA for their original reasonable and proportionate findings by issuing a warning, and would reiterate that at no point was there any intention to gain an unfair advantage or to breach the rules.
Importantly, an FA appeal panel made an order for the Western league’s decision to deduct points and issue a fine to be quashed, as the Western league were found to have ‘Misinterpreted or failed to comply with the Rules and Regulations of The Association relevant to its decision.’ The proposed fine issued to the club has been cancelled as a result of this.
Therefore, we are completely dismayed at the subsequent points deduction regardless of this finding. We have requested full written reasons which have not yet been provided and we will therefore continue to take advice and consider our options as a club going forward in relation to this matter, and ongoing participation.
We are saddened by the lack of support from the Western League as a longstanding member club, particularly given the exceptional personal circumstances and the lack of empathy shown for the welfare of one of our volunteer club officials, who acted in good faith throughout. Our volunteer club officials have the full support of the club.
On the pitch, the management team and players have led a successful campaign to date. These matters are outside of their control and will not distract the squad from continuing to push for the strongest possible finish to the season.
Thank you to our loyal supporters, volunteers and the local community for their continued backing. We will keep supporters updated through the club’s official channels.
We will be making no further comment at this time.
Clevedon Town FC
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