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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Bangor City docked staggering 42 points and face relegation after major announcement

Bangor City are set to be relegated to the third tier of the Welsh football pyramid after being deducted 42 points.

The Citizens had been ever-presents in the Welsh Premier League but were relegated from the top division following the conclusion of the 2017/18 campaign - a season in which they actually finished as runners-up - after failing to obtain a domestic licence.

And on Monday night, they were issued with a string of charges by the Football Association of Wales.

They include allegedly fielding ineligible players as well as failing "to comply with financial obligations towards six of their current and/or former professional players".

Bangor, who actually finished fourth in the Huws Gray Alliance in the 2018/19 season, have been docked three points for every match in which an ineligible player was fielded.

Given that they earned 51 points last season, a deduction would see their total revised to nine points, meaning they would finish at the bottom of the standings and subsequently be relegated.

The three-time Welsh Premier League champions are also unable to sign players until 2020 after being hit with a transfer embargo by the FAW. 

The Gwynedd outfit have confirmed that they will appeal the decision, stating that they believe the punishment is "severely harsh".

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A statement from Bangor read: "This issue will send shockwaves through the football community as many clubs throughout Wales pay players who are registered as non-contract and who are not on professional contracts.

"In the opinion of the FAW, players who sign standard non-contract forms should NOT be paid apart from expenses and then only if valid receipts are submitted.

"All registration rules have been adhered to and the decision is based on 'balance of probability' rather than adhering to their own rules and regulations.

"All forms signed have been submitted correctly and therefore, no blame can be attributed to any individuals who have been involved with the club.

"The punishment that has been issued is severely harsh and not in keeping with previous punishments for similar issues.

"This decision will be appealed - not just in the interests of Bangor City but for every other club within Welsh football who currently are doing the same thing."

Earlier this year, the club's Supporters' Association agreed to form a new club and have submitted their application to the FAW amid concerns over the running of the club.

Managerless Bangor have until close of business on Wednesday, May 29 to lodge their appeal.

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