In a surprising flip of occasions, Stockton Town FC has skilled a serious setback as they had been faraway from the playoff remaining, with their semi-final opponents, Guiseley AFC, being reinstated. This surprising choice has left followers and gamers heartbroken, because the membership had been wanting ahead to the playoff remaining.

At 11:41 PM on Saturday, the membership launched an official assertion relating to their playoff eligibility, expressing their disappointment: “Club Update – Play-Off Eligibility.”

“Stockton Town FC has been informed by the Northern Premier League that we are ineligible to participate in the 2024/25 Play-Offs. While we are saddened by this outcome, we are currently reviewing the decision and will evaluate our options before proceeding with the appeal process.”

The membership emphasised their gratitude, stating, “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our players, staff, volunteers, and particularly our supporters for your understanding and steadfast support during this challenging time.”

They assured followers of their dedication to transparency, stating, “We will provide further updates as the situation develops.”

On April thirtieth, Stockton Town FC shared: “We can confirm that we are in discussions with The FA regarding a disciplinary matter that arose from Tuesday night’s Play-Off Semi-Final. We are confident that the Club has acted correctly and fully complied with FA notifications and procedures. We are engaging with the relevant authorities to ensure this matter is resolved appropriately and promptly.”

“We understand that supporters may have questions and concerns. Please be assured that we will communicate any updates as soon as we can. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

@stockton_townfc 1-0 @GuiseleyAFC

Stockton Town FC advances to the @NorthernPremLge Play-Off Final
The essential strike got here from the boot of Kevin Hayes. What an unimaginable hit!

Full sport obtainable at https://t.co/Cx0iVqSsS9 pic.twitter.com/Gb4c3YyNv3

— Clubber (@ClubberFootball) May 1, 2025

On May 1st, the membership acknowledged: “After discussions with The FA, our hearing regarding the game against Guiseley will take place tomorrow after 2 PM. We maintain that we acted in accordance with the rules and will keep supporters updated. Thank you for your ongoing support.”

The following day, on May 2nd, Stockton Town FC introduced: “We can confirm that we have attended a hearing with The FA regarding the recent disciplinary issue concerning the playoff semi-final. The case has now been handed back to the Northern Premier League, and we are in talks regarding the next steps. More information will be available tomorrow evening.”

“We appreciate our supporters’ patience and continued backing during this challenging time as the club is dedicated to resolving this matter. We will provide updates as soon as we receive official confirmation.”

At 9 PM on May third, they confirmed: “The scheduled hearing with the Northern Premier League has taken place. We are now awaiting further communication and will provide an update as soon as possible. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support.”

Despite the rumors surrounding membership captain Adam Nicholson’s suspension, the membership has acknowledged that the suspension won’t begin till the third of May as anticipated. pic.twitter.com/hEq8kYiV5k

— Stockton Town FC (@stockton_townfc) April 29, 2025

Disciplinary Panel Confirms Stockton Town’s Appeal Rejected, Guiseley Reinstated into NPL Playoffs

The Northern Premier League disciplinary panel convened to judge a cost in opposition to Stockton Town FC for violating Rule 6.9 by fielding an ineligible participant. This cost adopted an FA Regulatory Commission assembly on May 2nd, which decided that the case in opposition to the membership and participant Adam Nicholson was substantiated.

The fee subsequently referred the matter to the Northern Premier League for decision in accordance with FA Standardised Rules.

According to Rule 6.9:

Any membership discovered to have fielded an ineligible participant in a number of matches shall have any factors gained from these matches deducted from its document, as much as a most of 12 factors. In knock-out matches, such because the Play-Offs, the membership shall face disqualification from the related competitions and should incur a positive. The Board can also mandate that these matches be replayed underneath phrases that the Board decides, which can embrace penalty factors in opposition to the membership in default.

The Board might alter its choice relating to the factors gained if:

(a) The ineligibility arises from the failure to safe an International Transfer Certificate, or

(b) The ineligibility is linked to a change within the participant’s standing with the membership for which they’re registered, or

(c) The Board determines that distinctive circumstances exist.

Although the membership acknowledged the cost, they offered what they believed to be distinctive circumstances that led to the ineligibility. However, the panel unanimously concluded that the circumstances offered by the membership didn’t meet the brink for being thought-about distinctive. Consequently, in alignment with Rule 6.9, Stockton Town FC was disqualified from the playoffs, and the defeated semi-finalists, Guiseley AFC, had been reinstated of their stead. Additionally, a positive was imposed.

The Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-Off Final that includes Worksop Town versus Guiseley is ready to proceed on Monday, May fifth, 2025, with a kick-off time of three PM.