Conference Board Statement

After the meeting on Thursday of the Football Conference Board the following statement was issued:



The Board of the Football Conference today (18th February 2010) met with representatives of Chester City (2004) FC, when the club pleaded guilty to all five counts with which they were charged.

These included those in respect of failing to fulfil fixtures, non payment of Football Creditors, failing to attend satisfactorily to competition business and bringing the competition into disrepute.

At the conclusion of a lengthy meeting, the representatives were advised that the Board failed to be convinced with their presentation that the club were able to demonstrate the club's ability to fulfil future fixtures in the competition and as a consequence informed the club of their finding in relation to Conference Rule 8.6.

In compliance with Article 5.2 of the Football Conference, the Board will recommend to its Member Clubs that Chester City (2004) FC should face expulsion from membership.

To facilitate this recommendation the Board are now legally mandated to convene a General Meeting of Member Clubs to, receive, deliberate and vote on the said recommendation to expel in consideration of Rule 8.6 and Article 5.2.

Until the meeting is held the club will remain suspended from the competition and their representatives suitably advised as to any future plans or presentations they may well wish to pursue against the recommendation of the Board to its Member Clubs.

The date and venue of the meeting is subject to final clarification.'

Statement ends.

Of the teams at the top of the League Luton would be the team with the biggest gain from Chester's expulsion.

Luton would lose 2 points and 2 games played, while Oxford would lose 3 points and 1 game played, a net gain over Oxford of 1 point and 1 game in hand for Luton.

Stevenage Borough would lose 6 points and 2 games played, a net gain for Luton over Stevenage of 4 points, and a net gain for Oxford over Stevenage of 3 points but a net gain of 1 game in hand for Stevenage over Oxford.

However, for the recommendation of the Directors to expel Chester City to be upheld by the member clubs, a majority of 75% of votes cast is required. The vote will be interesting!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.