The Baris Northern Counties East Football League has released the following statement with regards to Handsworth FC.

At a hearing at Wembley on Wednesday 16th May, a Football Association Appeal Board heard the appeal by Handsworth FC against the decision of the Northern Counties East Football League Management Board to dismiss Handsworth FC from the Competition and thereby relegate Handsworth FC to a level to be determined by The FA for non compliance with FA Standardised Competition Rules 2.3 and 2.6.

The Appeal Board in considering Handsworth FC ground-share proposals for Maltby Main and Don Valley Stadium were mindful of Standardised FA/ League Rule 2.3 that states: "Ground sharing is permitted but not in order to gain promotion or avoid relegation."

The Appeal Board were satisfied that this rule is specific and it is important to note that the current ground, Olivers Mount, does not meet the FA ground grading criteria of Step 6 of the National League System of Competitions.

Therefore permission could not be granted to go against the rule and therefore promotion to Step 5 would not be granted and as the ground does not meet Step 6 criteria it therefore cannot be used to avoid relegation.

The Northern Counties East Football League Board wish to express the hope that Handsworth FC will consider an application to rejoin the NCEL for season 2013/14 when the planned works at Olivers Mount are completed and the ground is up to the required Grade.

The NCEL Board will be making no further statements on this matter.