Bracknell Bees are set to take their place in the end of season EPIHL play-offs, regardless of where they finish in the table.
Lukas Smital’s charges currently lie ninth in the 10-team league with the top eight at the end of the campaign usually qualifying for the play-offs.
However, following a meeting among EPIHL clubs, both leaders Telford Tigers and struggling Manchester Phoenix are in line to be denied entry to the chance of picking up the trophy due to financial problems.
READ: Lukas Smital delighted as Bees end 11-game losing run
Representatives from Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Guildford Flames, Hull Pirates, Peterborough Phantoms, Milton Keynes Lightning, Swindon Wildcats and Sheffield Steeldogs were present for the scheduled meeting on Sunday where the issue of penalties for clubs entering administration was high on the agenda.
The EPIHL statement read: “The main focus of the meeting was how to deal with turmoil and unrest caused by clubs not playing within their means and having to liquidate or bankrupt a company, leaving unpaid debts to creditors and its staff whilst potentially gaining an advantage in on-ice performances.
“As a result, it was unanimously decided by all member clubs present at the meeting that the Telford Tigers and Manchester Phoenix will not be invited to participate in the end of season play-offs, following their well-documented liquidation in the previous 12 months.”
It continued: “Furthermore, going forwards any club who enters into administration/liquidation or bankruptcy during the course of a season will be placed on the same points as the bottom placed team in the league standings plus an additional 10 point deduction.
“We believe these punishments underline our commitment to ensure a fair competition, as well as providing a sustainable future for our sport.”
