Ilkeston FC banned from league after late payments

Ilkeston FC have been suspended by the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League after a breach of its rules.

The Robins have been banned after failing to pay its creditors – in this case other league clubs, and have been banned with effect from 5pm on Wednesday 10 August.

A statement from the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League read: “The club will not be able to participate in any footballing activity from this date until such time as all of the breaches have been resolved to the satisfaction of the EVO-STIK NPL.

“This may well have an impact on Premier Division fixtures and clubs who may be affected will be advised as soon as possible.

“Ilkeston FC do have the right of appeal to the Football Association and the EVO-STIK NPL will not be making any further comments at this stage.”

A statement from Ilkeston FC read: “It is a fact that the club owes money to football creditors (namely, clubs) in relation to historic matters and that – in view of the speculation about the club now being in receipt of substantial funds following the sale of Che Adams from Sheffield United to Birmingham City – debts have been chased more aggressively. This has resulted in our suspension, but provided we are able to pay the football clubs what they are due, it will be lifted.

“It was always our intention to settle those debts as soon as possible and it is only the perception that we are now in funds (we are not) that has prompted this unfortunate development.

“It is true that the club will at some point receive a sell-on fee as a result of the Adams transfer, although we are not at liberty to comment on the extent of the sum that will be received. Speculation that we have seen is (sadly) way off the mark, and we will be receiving a lot less than is being mooted – but nonetheless the sum received will be put to good use in not only clearing any historic debts but also assisting the club’s stability going forwards.

“In the meantime, the club will be doing all it can to ensure that the suspension is lifted, hopefully in good time for this weekend’s important fixture to proceed. We will be making no further comment at this stage.”