AFC Fylde can release the following statement in relation to The FA Youth Cup Third Qualifying Round tie that took place on Friday, 14 October, between Fylde and Chester FC at the Deva Stadium. 

Following an incident during Friday’s penalty shootout, which took place after a 1-1 draw at the end of 90 minutes, AFC Fylde lodged an appeal to The FA regarding a breach of rules.

The appeal was in relation to the penalty kicks not being correctly completed in accordance with the procedure adopted by the International Football Association Board, as set out in Law 10 of the Laws of the Game.

We can now confirm that the Club was successful in its appeal, with the FA providing the following reasons for their outcome once all information provided was considered by its members:

• The kicks from the penalty mark had not been completed in accordance with the Rules of the Competition, as the Laws of the Game had not been applied correctly by the Referee.

• The result of the kicks from the penalty mark should not stand, and the match should be replayed in its entirety at Chester FC unless Chester FC requested permission from The FA to play at a suitable alternative venue or forfeit home advantage and play at AFC Fylde.

• The replayed match should be scheduled on a date in the week commencing 24 October, unless it is mutually agreed by both Clubs to play on an earlier date.

Continuing from the reasons provided, the FA communicated: –

“It is therefore ordered pursuant to Rule 1(d) of the Rules of the Competition that the match be replayed in its entirety.

“Given the circumstances involved, the Committee deemed this appropriate action, as it was deemed fair on both Clubs and also in the best interest of the Competition.”

AFC Fylde welcomes this decision from the FA and can confirm that the tie will be replayed at the Deva Stadium on Wednesday, 26 October, at 7:45pm.