Paul Creeden. chief executive of the Jersey Football Association

THIRTY-SIX footballers have been suspended sine die for non-payment of membership fees to the Jersey Football Association.

Dandara Jersey Football Combination Championship club Sporting Academics have been hit hardest, with 15 players now banned from playing until their fees are paid.

The JFA’s membership scheme, now in its second year, was brought in to help the JFA raise capital to stave off financial ruin as in three years running they were losing between £22,000 and £30,000 annually.

JFA membership fees of £35 per senior player – there is a sliding scale payment for juniors – were due on 31 July. A late payment charge of £10 a month for the next three months is then added to a maximum of £65 which is the outstanding fee now owed to the JFA by the banned players.

JFA chief executive officer Paul Creeden said: ‘I’m disappointed that it has come to this but the clubs were informed early last month. They have had enough time to sort themselves out so now we’ve acted by bringing in the suspensions.’