Monday 21 July 2014 22:40, UK
Bradford Bulls have confirmed they have withdrawn their legal challenge against the points deduction imposed on the Super League club earlier in the year.
The Bulls, who have suffered financial problems in recent seasons, were deducted six points early in 2014 and their decision not to appeal means their relegation from Super League is now confirmed.
During a disappointing current campaign, the Friends Provident Stadium team have won just four of 21 league matches and on Sunday were beaten by neighbours Huddersfield Giants.
And a spokesperson for the board of directors made the following statement on the club’s official website on Monday: "With a heavy heart and a degree of reluctance the board have taken the decision not to pursue any legal challenge to the points deduction imposed earlier this season.
"For the record, the original appeal against the points deduction was correct and amongst other factors, was as a result of the Rugby Football League’s policy and procedure being flawed.
"Following the hearing by the Sporting Sanction Appeal Panel, we felt the decision was legally incorrect and all the advice from our legal advisors confirmed this."
It is important we now focus firmly on the future in order to return Bradford Bulls back to its rightful place among rugby league’s elite.
The statement went on: “It is important we now focus firmly on the future in order to return Bradford Bulls back to its rightful place among rugby league’s elite.
“We will not achieve this by looking back and investing further in the past. We are aggrieved at the position the club finds itself in and recognise this was brought about as a result of the actions of previous owners and stakeholders.
"Regardless of who owned what and when, we are mindful of the strength of feeling in the rugby league community about us challenging the points deduction. However, we now feel it is time to move forward.
"More importantly, the board feel our supporters need closure on what has been, for them, a horrible part of the club’s history, allowing us all to focus on the future.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks for the considerable support it has received during these difficult times especially from our legal advisors.”
Their relegation from Super League means it will be the first time in their history they will not be competing in the top flight next season.
