Banks O' Dee deducted 24 points for 'registration error'
It's the second time they've faced punishment for the issue this season
A Highland League club have been deducted 24 points due to what a "registration issue".
It's the second time that Banks O' Dee, who were promoted to the league last year, have been punished for the same issue. The Dee were thrown out of the Scottish Cup earlier in the season.
After a solid start to the season that had the Spain Park outfit sitting in sixth, on 23 points, they now drop to the foot of the table with -1 points.
They'll still be favourites to stay up, sitting only three points behind Strathspey Thistle.
But despite this, President Brian Winton says it's a "major set back".
"This is devastating news for all involved at Spain Park. I really feel for the management team and the players as they will be feeling badly let down.
"However, we win and lose together, we are a resilient organisation, so over time I am sure we will recover and be stronger for it.
"At times like this we have to be positive and focus on all the good things we have done in recent years. Yes, of course, this is a major set back for our season."
Secretary training
As with his statement after their abrupt Scottish Cup exit, Winton has recommended that club secretaries, who are often voluntary at clubs below the Premiership, receive training.
"I have recommended as part of our Scottish Cup appeal that the SFA set up mandatory training for Club Secretaries. It is a critical position within a football club with harsh consequences when errors occur.
"Over the years, Banks o' Dee FC has set high standards that we are very proud of. During the last 10 years the football club has been transformed with its close relationship with Banks o' Dee Sports Club.
The partnership has gone from strength to strength with SFA club licensing, massive upgrades in the ground infrastructure, new Astro surface, LED lighting and solar panel generated power as well as building a youth system through Banks o' Dee Albion and Banks o' Dee Junior FC team in the NRJFA.
"Promotion to the Highland was the final piece of the expansion plan.
"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the Highland League office bearers and member clubs for the disruption this registration error has caused."