BROCKENHURST’S FA Vase opponents may change after the FA confirmed Athletic Newham have been charged twice for fielding an ineligible player.

The Badgers are set to play the London based club in the fifth round of the Vase in February, but Newham may be chucked out of the competition if the charges are upheld.

UPDATE: Brockenhurst set to travel to Littlehampton, subject to appeal

After being approached by the Daily Echo for comment, an FA spokesperson stated: “Athletic Newham FC has been charged with two breaches of The FA Vase’s Rule 15(d) following two recent fixtures in the competition.

“It is alleged that the club played a suspended player against Abbey Rangers FC in the Third Round Proper on Saturday 11 December 2021, and played a separate suspended player versus Littlehampton Town FC in the Fourth Round Proper on Saturday 15 January 2022.

“Athletic Newham FC has until Tuesday 25 January 2022 to respond and any further updates will be provided in due course.”

Last season a similar case happened with North Ferriby, who fielded an ineligible player in a fourth round win.

They were expelled from the competition, with their vanquished opponents West Auckland FC reinstated.

However, there is a further complication to Newham’s case as they have been charged with two separate offences in two rounds of the competition – meaning it is not a simple fix of reinstating one side.

With a trip to Wembley on the cards for sides reaching the FA Vase final, Brockenhust will have to wait and see exactly who they will be playing in just under three weeks’ time.