Somerset Trojans’ run in the FA Cup ended behind closed doors at Bermuda Football Association (BFA) headquarters last Wednesday night.

The Royal Gazette has learned that the decision to boot the perennial cup giants out of the prestigious competition was made during the association’s monthly executive meeting chaired by president Larry Mussenden.

The BFA has not made an official announcement on the decision yet.

Trojans beat Commercial outfit Key West Rangers Rangers 2-0 in the FA Cup preliminary round at Somerset Cricket Club November 18. But the BFA overturned the result on the grounds that Trojans fielded an ineligible player (Richard Scott) during the match.

Scott, who plays in the Commercial League with Somerset Extros, turned up without an official player’s registration card but was still granted permission to play by referee Anthony Francis.

However, after careful review of existing by-laws and standard match day procedures the BFA ruled that Scott was not in fact eligible to play before overturning the result that means Rangers will now march on to the next round of the prestigious competition.

Trojans, who have lifted the coveted showpiece a record nine times, are now expected to appeal against the BFA’s ruling.

In 2002-03 Devonshire Cougars were dumped out of the FA Cup while PHC Zebras suffered the same fate in the 1980s.

Following Cougars’ heart break nearly five-years ago the BFA made it mandatory that no player shall be allowed on the pitch without an official player’s registration card.

Read more in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.