Shropshire Sunday League in danger of FIFA ruling
A Shropshire Sunday League is in danger of folding after its players were barred from action for failing to get international clearance – to play in England.
Officials at the North Shropshire Sunday League branded the FIFA ruling 'red tape gone mad' and called off all games involving their amateur sides until December 9 in protest.
The break may give teams time to get clearance or sign new eligible players,but one club, Oswestry-based Black Lion Colts, has already resigned from the nine-team league.
Manager Steve Drury says 21 of his 28-man squad are barred from playing on Sundays because they also turn out on Saturdays for nearby Trefonen in the Montgomeryshire and District League Division One.
League secretary Roger Candlin revealed Oswestry Bell and current leaders The Oak could follow suit because they are struggling to field teams.
He said: "This affects around 60 of our 300 registered players.
"Lads living over the border in places like Penley, or even in England in the case of those playing for Trefonen, can't play for teams in our league on Sundays unless they get international clearance.
"It's ridiculous as we are talking about grassroots football here which the FA are spending a lot of money to promote.
"If we lose two or three more teams then it's possible the league will fold."
The problem emerged after the Shropshire FA was forced to fall in line with FIFA rules which restrict footballers over the age of 12 from playing in Wales and England at the same time.
Previously, only clubs at third tier level and above were governed by the guidelines, which also affects players who live in Wales but have to apply for clearance to turn out across the border.
Candlin said: "The goalposts have been changed and this is grass roots football gone barmy.
"We've been part of the North Shropshire League for 10 years but, because we are a border side, we are being penalised."
The Roche-sponsored league, previously known as the Wem Sunday League, will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the end of this season.
Shropshire County officials claim their hands are tied by the new rules.
Chief executive Roy Waterfield said: "We're trying to keep the league going, although the FA and Welsh FA are rigid.
"They say players must make a choice to play either Saturday or Sunday in either country."
