Maccabi London Lions A have been thrown out of the Peter Morrison Trophy after the club admitted playing an ineligible player in their semi-final win over North London Raiders.
The National Football Committee released a statement confirming the decision after hearing Lions' appeal on Thursday night.
The statement read as follows: "Under rule 8(d), Maccabi London Lions A admitted playing an ineligible player in their game against North London Raiders A on 6th April 2016 and the decision of the disciplinary hearing committee was to award the game to North London Raiders A under rule 8(o).
"The Committee found there to be no exceptional circumstances to enable the semi-final to be replayed."
Reacting to the decision, Lions' manager Andy Landesberg said: "It is obviously very disappointing, but it’s no-one’s fault but mine as we were playing to the usual rules set by the MGBSFL rather than the one’s specific to this competition, so it was a genuine error.
"We were at least able to advise the National Football Committee ourselves and it was important that we acted with honesty and in good faith throughout. We received praise for this at the hearing, despite not being able to remain in the competition.
"We move on and have another final to look forward to on Saturday 14th May, so that will be our focus once the league season is complete."
Raiders are now scheduled to meet competition holders Hendon United in the final.
The Committee confirmed they will not be making any further comments.
In accordance with the rules, Lions now have 14 days in which to lodge an appeal if they wish to do so.
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