Stranraer has suffered a significant financial blow after being disqualified from the Scottish Cup for fielding an ineligible player in last week’s match against Queen’s Park.
The League 2 club estimates they will forfeit around £200,000, a sum that could sustain the club for three to four years.
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Stranraer disclosed the findings of a Scottish FA tribunal on their official website.
The governing body is anticipated to confirm that Championship side Queen’s Park will instead face their Glasgow rivals Rangers in the last 16 on February 8.
This matchup would mirror last season’s fifth-round encounter, where Queen’s Park secured a surprising 1-0 victory at Ibrox, leading to the dismissal of Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
Accepting the decision, Stranraer stated: “While we feel the circumstances around this breach were unfortunate and exceptional, we acknowledge that the responsibility for player registration and selection ultimately falls to the club.”
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Goalkeeper Lyndon Tas, who was on loan from Hearts, saved a penalty in the shootout following a 1-1 draw at Stair Park.
However, the match was originally set for the previous Saturday but had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Cup regulations stipulate that only players registered for the original date can play in cases of postponements, abandonments, or replays.
While the SFA allows for emergency loans, they stated that the late signing of 17-year-old Tas did not receive the necessary approval as Stranraer sought to replace Josh Lane, who had returned to Hamilton Academical after his loan period.
“This news will be incredibly disappointing for our supporters, staff, volunteers, and players, especially considering the tremendous effort put forth to win against Queen’s Park and the benefits a tie against Rangers would bring,” Stranraer added.
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“We share in this disappointment, particularly given the positive developments both on and off the pitch this season, and we extend our sincerest apologies to everyone connected with the club.”
Stranraer has lost just once in their last 12 matches, currently sitting fourth in League 2 and eyeing a potential spot in the promotion play-offs.