Salisbury City FC has failed in its bid to remain in the Blue Square Conference following a decision by the FA.

The team was adjudged to be in contravention of the rules by the Conference Board at the end of the season after going into administration.

The new directors, who took over the club after it had been put up for sale at £1, had battled hard to maintain their status and a petition launched by the fans achieved over 5,500 signatories.

A statement issued by FA today said: "An Appeal Board of The FA Sanction and Registrations Committee met on Wednesday (9 June) to hear an appeal by Salisbury City FC against a decision made by the Football Conference to exclude the club from membership of the competition.

"The club’s grounds of appeal were that the Conference misinterpreted and/or failed to comply with the rules and regulations relevant to its decision and/or came to a decision to which no reasonable body could have come and that the penalty, award or sanction imposed was excessive in the circumstances.

"The FA Appeal Board unanimously decided that the appeal be dismissed."

The club’s appeal fee of £250 was forfeited and they were ordered to pay additional costs of £400.

The effect of this decision is as follows:- Salisbury City will play in the Southern League (Premier Division) this coming 2010-11 season.

Forest Green Rovers are reprieved and remain in Conference National (previously relegated to Conference South).

Weston Super Mare are reprieved and remain in Conference South (previously relegated to Southern Premier).