Guernsey FC’s long-awaited return to the FA Cup has ended in heartbreak after the club was disqualified for what’s been described as a 'schoolboy error'.
The Green Lions had drawn 1-1 with Bedfont Sports Club last Saturday in the extra preliminary round, marking not only their first competitive fixture of the 2025–26 season, but also their first FA Cup appearance in eight years, following financial challenges that previously kept them out of the competition.
However, their comeback quickly unravelled when an issue surrounding player registration came to light.
Initially, the midweek replay in London was delayed by a week as officials investigated.
Guernsey FC’s long-awaited return to the FA Cup has ended in heartbreak after the club was disqualified for what’s been described as a 'schoolboy error'
|PA
But on Tuesday, Guernsey confirmed the worst: they had been removed from the tournament.
“We have just received official confirmation that the club has been removed from this season's competition, and that Bedfont Sports Club FC has been awarded the tie and will progress to the Preliminary Round,” the club said in a statement.
As a result, Bedfont Sports will now host Kingstonian in the next round on August 16.
The administrative blunder has left supporters stunned, especially given the hype surrounding Guernsey’s return to the world’s oldest football competition.
One disappointed fan called it a 'schoolboy error', while another lamented: “After all the hype... a real big let down.”
A third, more sympathetic supporter reflected on the volunteer nature of grassroots club operations: “Unfortunately, it happens. You can’t really blame club admins as all are normally volunteers — it’s happened twice to my local club.”
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For the first time in eight years, @GuernseyFC are back in the #EmiratesFACup, as they host Bedfont Sports in the extra preliminary round this weekend 🏆
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) July 31, 2025
The club made history in 2016, with the Green Lions hosting the first ever FA Cup match to be played outside of mainland UK… pic.twitter.com/yID58maZ9A
Others pointed to past mistakes from nearby rivals, with one post reading: “What a ridiculous mistake to make @GuernseyFC. Obviously haven’t learnt anything from watching Jersey's similar mistake last season?”
That comment refers to Jersey Bulls, who were docked three points in their league campaign last year after fielding an ineligible, suspended player.
The penalty cost them the Combined Counties Premier South title, though they still earned promotion via the play-offs.
Guernsey's elimination means their FA Cup journey ends before it could truly begin.
The competition's first round proper is scheduled for the first weekend of November, with Premier League and Championship teams entering in January’s third round.
This season’s final is set for May 16 2026, where Crystal Palace will aim to defend their title following last season’s shock win over Manchester City.
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Crystal Palace qualified for Europe after winning the FA Cup this year | GettyThe Eagles won 1-0 at Wembley, with Eberechi Eze netting the only goal of the game.
That victory meant Palace qualified for the Europa League.
They have since been demoted to the UEFA Conference League, however, with the club appealing that decision.