TAVISTOCK AFC have today been informed by the Football Association that it has been removed from this season’s Buildbase FA Vase for fielding an ineligible player in our 5-1 victory at Brixham AFC on Friday, November 19.

The club were informed earlier this week that it was being investigated for an apparent breach of rule 15(e) which states that: “A player shall not play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season.”

Unfortunately, following our match at Brixham, it emerged that Daniel Koita had represented Crediton United in their FA Vase first qualifying round match against Bodmin Town, which finished 3-3, and was won 4-3 on penalties by Bodmin.

The club submitted a report to give its version of events and whilst disappointed at the final outcome, we accept and respect the FA’s ruling, and subsequent punishment, which sees our removal from the competition.

We wish to take this opportunity to apologise to the Football Association for what was an honest and genuine administrative error on our part; to Brixham AFC for any unintentional wrongdoing and wish them all the best in their third round clash with Clevedon Town, with Brixham reinstated at our expense.

Finally, we apologise to our players, supporters and volunteers who will no doubt share our disappointment and frustration as this is a competition that everyone enjoys and we felt the club could have gone far in.

Tavistock AFC will ensure that we will learn from this mistake and encourage everyone to come together and back the team for the remainder of the season and our attempt to win promotion to the Southern League.

The club will make no further comment on the matter.