The Baris Northern Counties East Football League has released the following statement regarding Handsworth FC.

It says: "Following the meeting of the Northern Counties East Football League Management Board on Thursday 12 April 2012 it has been confirmed that Handsworth FC had failed to comply with League Rules 2.5 and 2.6 relating to ground grading compliance provided for in the Criteria Document for the step at which the Club is playing. The Club therefore faced charges as at 31 March 2012.

"Handsworth FC was found guilty on these charges and is to be relegated at the end of the current playing season to a level to be determined by The Football Association. Handsworth FC has the right of appeal to The Football Association.

"An application to ground-share was rejected by the Board as per League Rule 2.3. 'Ground sharing is permitted but not in order to gain promotion or to avoid relegation.'

"The Northern Counties East Football League or its Officers will not be making any further comments or statements until the appeal process has been exhausted."