Arsenal Ladies have had three points deducted from their FA Women's Super League total, following an FA charge for fielding an ‘unregistered player’.
The decision leaves Arsenal with 27 points, four behind second-placed Bristol Academy with one match to play. It ensures that Arsenal will need to win this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League to qualify for the competition in 2014/15.
Arsenal Ladies general manager Vic Akers said: “We have always prided ourselves on being a well-run club that do things the right way, and we are extremely disappointed by this decision.
“Following legal advice, we will not be appealing the FA’s ruling. We will instead focus our energies on responding in the right way on the pitch.
“We’ve got the Continental Cup final to prepare for next month and the 2013/14 Champions League campaign to focus on too, with a round of 32 draw against Kairat from Kazakstan.
“There’s still lots to play for and everyone in the Arsenal Ladies set-up will now pull together to bounce back from this as quickly as possible.”
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