ENFIELD TOWN have lost their appeal against a three-point deduction and have subsequently been replaced in the Ryman Premier play-offs by Met Police.
The Football Association finally notified the Towners of their decision to remain with the ruling from the FA Regulatory Commission in respect of the alleged breaches of FA Rule E10 (fielding a player while suspended).
The club were originally found guilty of playing Aryan Tajbakhsh in two matches against Hendon and Ashford Town back in January. Their points deduction meant they would finish sixth, Met Police replacing them in fifth.
It finally means an end to the speculation surrounding the Ryman Premier play-offs, with all other Step 3 leagues having finished over a week ago.
Hendon will host Met Police while Dulwich Hamlet will travel to Margate in the semi-finals on Thursday night ahead of the play-off final on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.
An Enfield statement read: “The FA’s decision and today’s appeal outcome are both very disappointing for everyone associated with the club. We await the FA’s written reasons for their decision.
“In the best interests of the club itself and in order to avoid further wider uncertainty and inconvenience, not least to clubs involved in the Ryman League Premier Division play-offs, the board has taken the unanimous decision not to take any action that would delay the play-offs any further.
“Enfield Town’s board would like to express its view that this decision sets a dangerous precedent. Clubs taking every precaution when checking the FA’s disciplinary record system may be subject to this charge (irrespective of whether or not the FA announce changes or a thorough overhaul of current arrangements).
“The club will now put this unsatisfactory outcome behind it, and look forward positively to the 2015-16 season. We wish the clubs in the play-offs the best of luck.”
