Saints deducted 10 points and fined �7,500

THE Football Association has docked St Albans City 10 points after finding the club guilty of financial irregularities.

As a result the Saints are now bottom of the Blue Square Bet South table, 11 points from safety.

The FA also handed the club a fine of �7,500 after finding the club to be in breach of rules C2(b)(ii), C1(b)(viii) and C2(b)(iii) which an FA statement says relates “to financial irregularities in respect to payments and expenses to players”.

The statement added: “In summing up the chairman of the Regulatory Commission had serious concerns over the financial irregularities within the club during the 2008 - 2009 season. Such irregularities enabled the club to have an unfair sporting advantage over others within the League which is simply unacceptable.

“St Albans City FC were warned as to their future conduct and the ten league points deduction is immediate.”

A statement posted on the official website by the club’s directors said: “The directors are utterly shocked and reeling by the decision of The FA at the hearing on Friday, particularly in view of the evidence that was submitted by the club.

“The board considers the penalty to be extremely harsh and potentially a threat to the club’s very existence.

“The written decision is anticipated early this coming week and only upon receipt can the options be considered and matters taken further. Once those options, together with previous precedents, have been considered and advice taken, a further statement will be issued.”

The rules City were found to breach:

C1(b) (VIII) - All salary payments due on written contracts must be stated gross, before PAYE and National Insurance deductions.

C2(b)(II) – All salaried payments must be subject to PAYE and National Insurance.

C2(b)(III) – Any player’s paid expenses must be reimbursed via an expense claim form. The club must retain all expense records in a format acceptable to the HM Revenue and Customs.