THE Football Association belatedly issued a statement last night to explain the latest position regarding their stance over the long running Chester City affair.
The FA have repeatedly refused to comment on the reasons they are refusing to accept City’s affiliation. The lack of acceptance by the governing body has meant that a clutch of pre-season friendlies, and scheduled Conference matches against Grays Athletic and Gateshead have had to be postponed.
Last night’s statement read: “Throughout this process the FA has sought to resolve this matter as speedily as possible, whilst ensuring that football’s rules and the integrity of its competitions are safeguarded.
“The issues arising from Chester City’s administration have been complex. Whilst we understand the anxiety of the club and its supporters, we have to consider the wider interests of the game. As the governing body, it is the FA’s responsibil-ity to sanction the running of English football competit-ions, and ensure that the rules of those competitions, as well as those of the FA, are respected.
“The FA is concerned that the proposed arrangements between Chester City and the Football Conference are inconsistent with Conference rules. We have asked for an urgent meeting with the Conference on Thursday to try to resolve outstanding issues.”
A meeting of Chester City’s concerned supporters is to be held at the Deva Showbar on Station Road tomorrow night at 8pm. The event will be chaired by former BBC North West Tonight announcer Charlie Lambert.
