SALISBURY City’s appeal to join the Wessex League has been rejected for not having “a structure in place.”

League officials dismissed the Whites’ application to join the ninth tier of English football – four divisions lower where they played last season – at last night’s emergency general meeting.

After the meeting at Totton & Eling Sports Club, the league released the following statement: “The Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) was approached by Salisbury City FC, with the agreement of the Football Association, with regard to the club joining the league, despite the season having commenced, to assist the club in playing competitive football.

“The League has met with the club but cannot see that the club has a structure in place, on or off the pitch, to compete in the League, while the on-going court cases place a question mark over any long term involvement with the League.

“The League has therefore rejected the club’s application.”

Current owner Otail Touzar revealed on his website that he had ambitions to join the Wessex League and met with chairman Ian Hoare on Friday to discuss potential entry.

Meanwhile, the board of directors, who told the Journal last week they have no intentions of joining the league, are still trying to wrestle back control of the club. That included a revisit to High Court on Tuesday but the case was adjourned after Mr Touzar’s request for more time was granted.

The Journal also understand a winding up order issued by HMRC is due soon.