RHYL are set for a Welsh Premier reprieve after Port Talbot Town lost their appeal against the decision not to give the club an FAW Domestic Licence for next season.
It follows news last week that the Football Association of Wales were investigating an alleged breach of its betting and integrity rules following Rhyl's 5-0 win over Port Talbot earlier this month.
Town had appealed the earlier decision not to award them a Domestic Licence, with one required to compete in the Welsh Premier League.
Licenses are awarded based on criteria including sporting, youth & coaching, infrastructure and financial and Port Talbot will be relegated at the end of the season after their appeal failed.
It means only one club – Haverfordwest County – will be relegated as it stands and second bottom Rhyl will remain in the top flight.
A Town statement said: “Port Talbot Town Football Club have learnt of the outcome of their appeal against the rejection of an FAW Domestic License that would allow the first-team to play in the Welsh Premier League for the 2016-17 campaign.
“The club are saddened by the news and would like to apologise to all supporters of the club. The Blues' first-team will now ply their trade next season in the Welsh Football League.”
Huws Gray Alliance leaders Caernarfon Town also lost their appeal and have not been granted a Domestic Licence so will not be promoted to the Welsh Premier. Cefn Druids, currently third, will be allowed to go up as long as they finish in the top two.
Distraught Caernarfon chairman Arfon Jones said: “I am absolutely devastated with the FAW's decision today and for personal reasons I am stepping down as chairman of Caernarfon Town FC with immediate effect.
It was better news for Welsh League Division One side Cardiff Met University who have been awarded the Domestic Licence after winning their appeal.
They are two points behind leaders Barry Town United – who have already secured the licence – but have three games in hand and know if they finish top, they will go up.
