Glentoran look set to seek the right to arbitration following their recent expulsion from the Irish Cup over the Joe Crowe eligibility affair.
The Big Two giants had a Tuesday deadline to make a decision on their next step after the Irish FA dismissed their latest appeal on Friday.
Glens boss Mick McDermott said at the weekend that the Mersey Street club would “never go quietly into the night” and was “up for any fight”.
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And it is understood they are now considering taking the matter to arbitration where an independent body can resolve the issue.
Glentoran were thrown out of the competition after Crowe featured in a 1-0 win over Newry City in the quarter-final of the Irish Cup on March 5.
It was subsequently ruled that Crowe was ineligible to play in the tie and the Irish FA ruled that Newry be reinstated in the competition.
Championship leaders Newry were due to face Ballymena United in the semi-finals of the blue riband competition at Mourneview Park on April 13.
If the matter goes to arbitration, it seems highly unlikely the semi-final will be played next week.
The Irish Cup final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 7.
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