THE FA have commented on the confusion surrounding Brockenhurst's FA Vase fifth round tie.

The Badgers had initially been drawn away to face Athletic Newham in the fifth round, before reports emerged that the London-based side had played two different suspended players in two separate ties.

Charges were subsequently raised by the FA, as Athletic Newham were charged twice for the separate offences, with the FA telling the Daily Echo: “It is alleged that the club played a suspended player against Abbey Rangers FC in the Third Round Proper on Saturday 11 December 2021, and played a separate suspended player versus Littlehampton Town FC in the Fourth Round Proper on Saturday 15 January 2022."

On Thursday evening, Brockenhurst and Littlehampton were informed that Littlehampton had been reinstated into the competition - subject to an appeal by Athletic Newham.

That appeal has now been made, with both clubs tweeting that the fixture was back in limbo.

After being approached for comment by the Daily Echo, the FA stated: "Athletic Newham FC has been removed from The FA Vase for a breach of the competition’s Rule 15(d) that occurred during a tie against Littlehampton Town FC in the Fourth Round Proper on Saturday 15 January 2022.

"Athletic Newham FC denied a charge in relation to fielding a suspended player during this tie but The FA’s National Game Competitions Sub-Committee found it to be proven during a subsequent hearing after considering the evidence.

"Littlehampton Town FC was awarded the tie and reinstated into the competition by the Committee, and is now scheduled to play Brockenhurst FC at home in the Fifth Round Proper on Saturday 12 February 2022 subject to any appeal by Athletic Newham FC.

"The separate charge in relation to allegedly fielding a suspended player against Abbey Rangers FC in the Third Round Proper on Saturday 11 December 2021 was withdrawn following receipt of evidence from Athletic Newham FC."

Whilst the FA did confirm that one of the charges had been withdrawn, they did not comment on whether an appeal had been made - despite the updates from Brockenhurst and Littlehampton.

As it stands, all three clubs will have to wait a little longer to discover their fate - with only Brockenhurst certainly involved in the tie.