Wrexham lose points deduction appeal

Wrexham’s appeal against the 10-point Football League deduction following the club’s move into administration was today dismissed by an independent panel.

The Sporting Sanctions Appeal Panel, whose decision is final and binding, dismissed claims that the League Two club’s insolvency was due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances after examining evidence from club officials and an independent expert.

As part of their appeal process against the points deduction – the first of its kind under the League’s new rules – independent consultants reviewed Wrexham’s activities leading up to their move into administration on December 3, 2004.

They dismissed claims that the loss of promised funds due to the collapse of the ITV Digital television contract in 2002 had proved crucial to the club being forced into administration.

By going into administration last month the club avoided an Inland Revenue winding-up order over a £1m (€1.42m) tax bill.