Larne FC have been reprieved from an enforced relegation from the Irish Premier League after a successful appeal that sees Loughgall FC demoted instead.
The Inver Park club had originally had 16 points deducted after being found guilty of fielding player Padraig Gollogley without international clearance, also being fined €11,700.
However, the Irish Football Association′s appeals board have decided to reverse the penalty, stating: "[The board] took into account the detailed submissions and representations of all parties and unanimously agreed that there was no intention on behalf of Mr Gollogley or Larne FC to subvert the rules and regulations of the Irish Premier League."
The original fine the club received still stands however but the recovery of the points deduction means that Larne move off the bottom of the table above both Loughgall and Glenavon FC.
Loughgall are relegated while Glenavon will go into a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off against Bangor FC on 1 and 8 May for the right to play in the Premier League next season. An IFA statement added that the decisions of the IFA Appeals Board are final and binding on all parties and there shall be no further appeals by any other party in this regard.
