Premier League cult hero Pascal Chimbonda has been able to get around the FA's three-match touchline ban as manager of Skelmersdale United by registering as a PLAYER in time for their next game.
The 44-year-old, who took over the ninth-tier side four months ago, was originally slapped with a five-match stadium ban for improper conduct during his very first match in charge.
Skelmersdale announced last month that they were appealing the charge last month as Chimbonda left his technical area "with the sole intention of preventing his players from getting hurt in a melee which had developed on the field of play."
The club also felt that the severity of the punishment "doesn't appear to be proportionate with the offence".
Pascal Chimbonda has re-registered as a player
ITV
The FA have now agreed their initial punishment was too harsh and Chimbonda's five-match stadium ban has been reduced to a three-match touchline ban.
But the former Tottenham, Sunderland, Blackburn and Wigan Athletic star has managed to skirt his touchline ban by re-registering as a player after retiring from playing five years ago.
The club statement began: "Following today's personal hearing, the FA appeal board have agreed by majority that the five-match stadium ban originally imposed on Pascal Chimbonda to be excessive.
"In order to give effect to this decision, the appeal board have now issued Pascal with a three-match touchline ban, and have issued him with a £50 fine.
"Although we believe the punishment is still excessive, we're much happier with the outcome, as this will allow Pascal to continue working, whereas the original ban had it been upheld, would've prevented him from doing so.
"Providing there aren't any postponements over the next few games, Pascal will be able to return to the dugout in time for our away game at Grigg lane, Bury.
"In other news, Pascal is now registered as a player, and we could indeed see him play against Bury on Saturday 27th January."
Chimbonda was part of the French side that reached the 2006 World Cup final and made 149 appearances in the Premier League.
Pascal Chimbonda made 149 Premier League appearances
GETTY
Skelmersdale were bottom of the table when Chimbonda took over as manager and he's been unable so far to change that as they remain in 24th.
The non-league job is Chimbonda's first managerial position and he has set lofty ambitions to one day be in the dugout of a Premier League side.
"I have a goal in my head, but first of all you have to start properly," he said back in October.
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He was also part of France's national side
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"I have to do well here. If you don’t do well here you can’t go nowhere.
"I want to go to the top of the game, but only if things go well here. Stay in the league, and then next year go up again.
"I want to strive for greatness, but at the minute I don’t think about the future I just think about the present."