THE Jersey Football Association has lost thousands of pounds this season after it emerged that they cannot legally suspend players over unpaid membership fees.

Describing the situation as ‘serious’, JFA chief executive officer David Brookland explained that the deficit, of around £7,000, cannot be chased due to the oversight.

The JFA believed they had the power to suspend players over unpaid fees not received by 31 October. This was an initiative approved by the JFA and its council, in association with the FA as well as players and clubs in Jersey.

However, during a recent review of paperwork it emerged that an amendment to the rules, which included the power to suspend for non-payment, was never implemented.