Tier restrictions leave Cottesmore sidelined from Leicestershire Senior League action
Cottesmore have been left to play the waiting game due to the implications of the new tier system on the Leicestershire Senior League.
The Rutland-based Premier Division leaders are one of the few clubs in the league which are based in tier two.
League officials met with the Leicestershire FA on Wednesday night and their findings mean that Cottesmore must wait until the December 16 tier review to find out if they can return to action.
Travel restrictions are applicable to individual players rather than clubs and the effect of this is that players cannot travel into or out of a tier three area to play.
Half of Cottesmore’s squad live in tier two areas while the others are in tier three which, with no cross tier or county border travel allowed due to the Football Association guidelines, the club cannot play any fixtures.
A Cottesmore club statement said: “Following Wednesday night’s league meeting and guidance passed down to us regarding travel in and out of tiers, our first and development teams will not be able to resume league fixtures until at least after the tier review on December 16.”
League secretary Chris Banks added: "To give clubs time to update risk assessments and recheck eligibility of players to play based on their address, this Saturday's fixture list remains suspended. Clubs may, however, arrange friendlies.
"League fixtures shall recommence as planned on December 12. However, any club that feels it is not in a position to play that day need not do so.
"The management committee will meet on December 14 to plan for any changes if there is a change to the tier arrangements expected on the December 16 review as we hope to have an idea of what's happening by then.
"Finally, can I thank all the clubs for their patience and forbearance over the last few weeks, especially the last 72 hours.
"We appreciate that it is a difficult period for us all and difficult decisions are having to be made.
"All I can say is that any decisions we make are with the best of intentions and to make the return to the game as safe, easy and trouble free as we can."
Cottesmore have played seven matches in their 28-game campaign so far this season and sit top of the table having taken 19 points out of a possible 21.