Welsh football club speaks out after being handed massive 141-point deduction
A Welsh football club could be hit with the biggest points deduction in football history.
Everton's points deduction looks minor in comparison to the recent situation at Pontypridd United, who play in the Welsh top flight.
Pontypridd could be facing a mammoth 141 points deduction in relation to player contract breaches and fielding of ineligible players.
Allegations were made about players not being registered properly and money being owed to those who represented the team.
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That led to an independent investigation from the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
And the ruling went against Pontypridd, who were deemed guilty of a total of 18 charges.
Not only have they been hit with a two-window transfer ban that means they cannot bring any new reinforcements until January 2025, they have also had six points removed from their tally this season.
As a result, Pontypridd now find themselves at the very foot of the table on seven points.
But that is not even the tip of the iceberg for them. Failure to comply with contractual player obligations and the use of unregistered players means a repeat offence before the end of the 2024/25 campaign will result in a whopping 135 points deduction.
The club said they would defend themselves "robustly" when the charges came to light.
A statement from the Welsh FA said: "An investigation by the Football Association of Wales into the contractual status of players at Pontypridd United was undertaken following complaints made by players of alleged breaches of their professional contracts.
"The investigation led to disciplinary charges being issued to the Club for the alleged breach of FAW Rules and Regulations.
"The matter was referred to an independent arbitration panel, appointed by Sport Resolutions.
"Led by an appointed KC, the independent arbitration panel recently heard the case and has provided its decision to both parties.
"In total, the FAW issued 18 (eighteen) charges against Pontypridd United under FAW Rules 38.1.1 and 38.1.2, for the alleged breach of the following Rules and/or Regulations: FAW Rule 67; 71.1; 72(A)(i), FAW Comet Regulation 7.2, Cymru Premier Rule 14.1, Cymru Premier League Cup Rule 15."
Pontypridd's next fixture against Cardiff Met University was initially postponed because of the investigation but the cup tie now been confirmed to take place on Tuesday, 19 December.
Josh Lawless