Club banned in cash crisis

The Yeltz, who play in the Southern League Premier Division, have been suspended from the game by the Football Association after failing to pay three of the team's former players.

The ex-players had their contracts cancelled in the wake of crippling financial problems. But the three, who were among the club's top earners, are still owed pay.

Halesowen also owes transfer fees to two other clubs for permanent and loan moves.

The FA had given the club, owned and managed by Morell Maison, until Tuesday to pay monies owed but failure to do so has led to the ban. It came into effect at 12:01am today and means the Yeltz will be suspended from football until they have settled their debts to the satisfaction of the FA.

Saturday's home game with Corby Town in now in serious doubt and failure to fulfil the fixture could result in huge financial penalties imposed by the Southern League.

Chief executive Guy Cooper said the club was confident the game will go ahead and could pursue a high court injunction to stop the ban which he described as "unlawful".

He added: "In order to resolve this the club must now pay these players in full. I am uncertain as to why the FA or the players should wish to further pressure the club in such a manner."

The club sit sixth in the table and are on course for the play-offs.

An FA spokesman said: "From 12:01am Halesowen Town were suspended from all football. This relates to contractual monies owed to three players and loans and transfer fees owed to two clubs. They will not be able to play another fixture until the debts are cleared to our satisfaction and have applied for the sanctions to be lifted."