Shamrock Rovers were last night deducted eight league points following a meeting of the First Instance Committee of the FAI's licensing body. The club, who are now bottom of the Premier Division with just one point, have indicated they will not appeal.
The sanction follows the emergence of irregularities in financial accounts submitted by the club to Merrion Square in November when applying for a licence for the current season.
A statement released by the FAI last night read: "The Committee has decided to revoke the licence granted to the club for the 2005 season.
"The Committee has further decided to allow Shamrock Rovers to compete in the League and Cup competitions through the 2005 season but has imposed a sanction of an eight points deduction."
A committee spokesperson said the actions of Branvard Ltd - the company trading as Shamrock Rovers - in their application were a "serious breach of the licensing process".
The FAI wrote to Shamrock Rovers last month demanding to know why audited accounts for 2003 were resubmitted for 2004.
Club officials responded to those queries when they met with the committee last week.
Amid financial difficulties - the club is €2.36 million in debt - the club was placed into examinership last month and in such circumstances an audit is required.
Club officials maintain it was at this point that the irregularities were brought to light and that there was no attempt to deceive the licensing committee.
Former chairman Tony Maguire was a key figure in the licensing debate and resigned after that meeting. The club's financial director, Paul Boyle, also stood down.
Manager Roddy Collins said he was "in no doubt" the club was now facing a relegation battle.
"This is a relegation scrap for this club from now on in, make no mistake about that," he said at Richmond Park after seeing his side snatch a late draw at St Patrick's Athletic.
"It's not that frustrating, to be honest, as I saw this coming. We have to accept the decision and get on with things.
"I suppose we have to be thankful that it wasn't the nine points that were rumoured. You never know, maybe that one point is the one that will keep us in the Premier Division."
A verdict had been expected well before last night. Rovers wanted the situation dealt with speedily so potential investors knew the club's position.
On hearing the committee's decision, Neil Hughes, the court-appointed examiner to Shamrock Rovers, said the potential investors had indicated to him the sanctions would not materially affect their proposed investment.
Collins refused to apportion blame and said his players would relish the challenge of avoiding the drop and his immediate target was to catch Finn Harps, who have two points.
FAI chief executive John Delaney said the decision "sends a clear message that the Club Licensing process . . . is a serious one and irregularities . . . will result in sanctions".
