English fourth-tier side AFC Wimbledon have been deducted three points by the Football League for fielding an ineligible player, the domestic governing body announced on Monday.
The London club selected Jake Nicholson in the matchday squad for their League Two match with Cheltenham on March 22 and, after coming off the bench as a substitute, he scored in a 4-3 win.
But AFC Wimbledon have now been docked three points and fined 5,000, although the monetary penalty has been suspended until the end of next season.
Neal Ardley's side have now dropped from 14th to 18th in the table but, with just one league game of the season left, they are not in danger of being relegated to the non-league Conference.
"A Football Disciplinary Commission has ruled that AFC Wimbledon are to be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, Jake Nicholson, in the Sky Bet League 2 fixture with Cheltenham Town on March 22," a Football League statement said.
"AFC Wimbledon won the match 4-3 with Nicholson coming on as a substitute at half-time, before scoring his side's second goal in the 70th minute.
