Oxford United have been fined and handed a five-point deduction for fielding an unregistered player.
Midfielder Eddie Hutchinson was not reregistered at the start of the season having been transfer-listed in January, but has played 19 games for the club this season.
The player helped the club to earn 11 points before the error was revealed in November, and the Blue Square Premier side have now been punished for rule breaches in relation to player registration.
Chairman Kelvin Thomas told the club’s official website: “We defended our case.
“However, the decision by the Football Conference Panel was a fine of £500, with a further fine of £3,500 suspended until May 2010, and a five-point deduction.
“We are deeply disappointed with the penalty imposed and feel there are major issues surrounding the administrative procedures of the league, which must be addressed.
“A decision to appeal will be made within the 14-day timeframe allowed once we have considered the full, written reasons of the panel.”
The deduction leaves Oxford 14th in the Blue Square Premier.