CHESTER CITY were last night close to accepting an extra 15 points deduction which means they will commence their Blue Square Premier League campaign this Saturday on a massive minus 25 points.
The Football Association had refused to grant City affiliation following their entry into administration, until a number of conditions were met. It appears the FA are still not totally convinced that the Deva Stadium outfit have met the criteria that they sought.
The FA were remaining tight lipped last night but it does appear that whatever deal, if any, is brokered, between the administrators, the club’s solicitors and football’s governing body, the decision will not be subject to appeal.
It is understood that this deduction, which on the face of it appears to be punitive, and the refusal to allow appeal is being taken to the European Courts of Justice by a City supporter and a barrister, who is a Luton Town season ticket holder, for clarification.
The Hatters were deducted 30 points last season, and were subsequently relegated from Coca Cola League Two.
If confirmation of a 25-point deduction and acceptance of FA affiliation is announced officially today, it should clear the way for Chester to play their opening Conference fixture at Grays Athletic on Saturday.
However, such a large penalty is likely to condemn Chester to almost certain relegation, as the bottom four clubs from the top level of the Conference, drop down to regional divisions in the following season.
