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Gareth Fullerton

Warrenpoint Town issue statement after IFA refuses licence applications

Warrenpoint Town have confirmed they have appointed legal representation after the Irish FA refused to grant the club crucial licences for next season.

The IFA announced successful applications for teams on Thursday, but Warrenpoint have been denied both Championship and Promotion licences.

The Milltown club had been set to play a Premiership promotion/relegation play-off against Dungannon Swifts next week, but that fixture has now been postponed.

Read more: Warrenpoint Town rocked by licence refusals as IFA announces decision

The licence decision could also potentially impact the Championship relegation play-off.

Warrenpoint issued a brief statement on Thursday, saying: "Warrenpoint Town FC can confirm that we have received notification via email from the Irish Football Association licensing committee today that our application for Promotion License/Championship Club License has been refused.

"We have appointed legal representation on our behalf and fully intend to appeal the decision by the Irish Football Association.

"As a club, we will make no further comments at this stage under the advice of our legal team. Further updates will be communicated in due course."

Warrenpoint have had their application for a Promotion licence rejected, meaning they would not be able to play in the Premiership next season if successful in their play-off bid.

In a double blow, they also had their Championship licence application turned down, leaving their place in the second tier of the NI Football League also in jeopardy.

The IFA said on its website: "The committee was unanimous in its decision to refuse licences to Warrenpoint Town FC. The club has been advised of the specific reasons for the licence refusals. Given that the club has a right to appeal, the committee is unable to comment any further at this time.

"All clubs who have been refused a licence have the right of appeal, in line with 3.2.7 of the Club Licensing manual(s) with any such appeals tentatively scheduled for 10 May 2023."

Meanwhile, the NI Football League confirmed that next week's Premiership play-off has been postponed until further notice.

It said in a statement: "The NI Football League is aware of the IFA Licensing Committees decision and the appeal timelines in reference to Warrenpoint Town.

"NIFL will engage & support all stakeholders at this point.

"We can also confirm that the Premiership promotion/relegation play off scheduled for next week has been postponed until further notice."

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