Connah's Quay Nomads plunged into relegation battle after huge points deduction

Cymru Premier champions Connah's Quay Nomads have been plunged into a relegation battle after they were deducted 18 points by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

The 2019/20 and 2020/21 Welsh champions were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, reported to be former Wales international Neal Eardley, in six Cymru Premier matches this season.

The deduction, the largest in Welsh top flight history, now leaves Nomads in the relegation zone - six points from safety.

READ MORE: Sign up for our newsletter all about sport in North Wales

According to the FAW, the club broke the rules by registering two players after the closure of the registration window back in August - only one player is allowed to be registered outside of the window.

A statement on the FAW website said: "On 2 March 2022, Mr William Norris QC, appointed as the sole independent arbitrator by Sports Resolutions who provide independent dispute resolution services, heard the two disciplinary charges brought by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) against Connah’s Quay Nomads (the Club) alleging breaches of FAW Rules 38.1.1 and/or FAW Rule 38.1.2.

What is your opinion on the points deduction? Have your say in the comments section

"It was found that contrary to Cymru Premier Rule 12.6(b), two players were registered to List A after the closure of the first Professional Registration period but before the opening of the second in the 2021/2022 season.

"It was further found that contrary to Cymru Premier Rule 14.1, the second player played in six (6) JD Cymru Premier matches when he was therefore an ineligible player.

"The JD Cymru Premier league table will be altered to reflect the club’s points deduction and the subsequent changes to the league fixtures, due to the mid-season split, will be communicated in due course on CymruFootball.Wales."

Connah's Quay Nomads FC have been approached for comment.