EXCLUSIVE: Fort William’s appeal against Highland League relegation thrown out

Fort William’s appeal against relegation from the Breedon Highland League has been thrown out by a Scottish FA arbitration panel.

The Lochaber side withdrew from their relegation play-off against Banks o’ Dee in April following issues surrounding player eligibility and the state of Claggan Park.

However, Fort appealed to the SFA and the case was considered by a three-person panel, but the Press and Journal understands it was dismissed on Wednesday evening.

The outcome means Fort William’s 37-year stay in the Highland League is officially over and they will now drop into the North Caledonian League.

Fort agreed to play all their matches away from home last season after the pitch at Claggan Park was found to be unplayable last July.

They finished bottom of the table with only seven points and were set to face Banks o’ Dee over two legs for a place in the 2022/23 Highland League.

But, on the eve of the first leg, they withdrew because of issues regarding the eligibility of players and the state of Claggan Park, which was meant to be the venue for the second leg.

Fort then appealed to the SFA, but their hopes of remaining in the Highland League are now over.