League statement: Premier Division play-offs

A Northern Premier League disciplinary panel met tonight to consider a charge against Stockton Town FC for a breach of Rule 6.9, fielding an ineligible player.

The charge was raised following an FA Regulatory Commission on Friday 2 May to consider FA Charge E12. The Commission found the case against the club and player Adam Nicholson proven. In accordance with FA protocols, the case was then referred to the Northern Premier League to deal with in accordance with FA Standardised Rules.

Rule 6.9 states:

Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points (save for in relation to a knock-out match or matches –e.g. the Play-Offs– in which case the Club shall be disqualified from the relevant knock-out competition(s), and have levied upon it a fine. The Board may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Board which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.

The Board may vary its decision in respect of the points gained in circumstances where:-

(a)           the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or

(b)           where the ineligibility is related to a change in the Player’s status with the Club for whom he is registered or

(c)           where the Board determined that exceptional circumstances exist

The club admitted the charge but cited what it believed to be exceptional circumstances leading to the ineligibility. However, the panel found unanimously that the circumstances put forward by the club were not exceptional. Consequently, and in accordance with Rule 6.9, Stockton Town FC was disqualified from the play-offs and beaten play-off semi-finalists Guiseley AFC reinstated in their place. A fine was also imposed.

The Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-Off final Worksop Town v Guiseley will go ahead on Monday 5 May 2025, kick-off at 3pm.