Irvine Victoria's hopes of continuing in this season’s Scottish Junior Cup hang by a thread ahead of a Hampden hearing this week.
The Westenders are due to face Ayrshire rivals Troon in the second round of the national competition this Saturday.
But Ayrshire Football News understands they have been left in limbo as SFA chiefs get set to probe claims they fielded an ineligible player against Fraserburgh in the previous round.
Eyebrows were raised when Frasersburgh’s name appeared in last week’s draw for the third round despite losing to Vics on penalties on August 27.
It is believed that SJFA chiefs found Vics guilty of playing a suspended player in that match with the club lodging an appeal against the decision.
It’s understood the case will be heard by the SFA this week - just days before the weekend’s scheduled tie at Portland Park.
Vics were kicked out of the competition alongside Pollok last year after a brawl led to a second round clash between the sides being abandoned.
A similar punishment could await them this week if the SFA uphold the initial ruling - and lead to Fraserburgh being asked to fill the void and arrange an eight-hour round trip at short notice.
Such a sanction would take the shine off a fabulous start to the season for Dougie MacDuff’s men.
A 6-0 win against Lugar on Saturday gave Vics their sixth West of Scotland League Third Division win on the trot and propelled them to third in the table.
Now they face losing momentum with the potential of them being left without a game this weekend.
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