The case related to the appearance of Stephen Turnbull, currently on loan at Bury from Hartlepool United, in Bury's FA Cup Second Round replay victory against Chester City on Tuesday 12 December.

Bury selected Turnbull without receiving the required permission from Hartlepool United and lodging that permission with The FA, which constitutes a breach of FA Cup rules. Bury also failed to comply with the required timescales for registration of players for the FA Cup.

Chester City have been reinstated and will now play Ipswich Town in the Third Round. They will also receive the prize fund payment due to Second Round winners.


FA Challenge Cup RULE 15 (PROVISIONS CONCERNING PLAYERS)
(j) Temporary (loan) Transfers
(i) A player on a temporary (loan) transfer is ineligible to compete in the Challenge Cup Competition unless permission to do so is given by the lending Club in writing and a copy is received by The Association by 12 noon on the Friday prior to the date fixed for playing the Round. Any permissions must clearly state that the player has approval to play in the Challenge Cup Competition.