SYDENHAMS League clubs have voted unanimously to reject Salisbury City's application to join the Wessex ranks.

With the consent of the Football Association, the league called an extraordinary general meeting after being contacted by Salisbury’s legal owner Otail Touzar about a possible late entry into the league, which kicked off at the start of August.

But not a single Wessex club voted in favour of allowing in Salisbury, whose very existence is under threat following their expulsion from the Football Conference.

A consortium, led by chief executive officer Paul Smith, are trying to wrestle back control of the Wiltshire club from Moroccan businessman Touzar.

That included a revisit to High Court on Tuesday but the case was adjourned after Mr Touzar’s request for more time was granted.

Next week  the troubled club face a winding-up petition over unpaid taxes.

An SWL statement issued after Wednesday’s EGM at Totton & Eling Sports Club read: “The Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) was approached by Salisbury City, with the agreement of the Football Association, with regard to the club joining the league, despite the season having commenced, to assist the club in playing competitive football.

“The league has met with the club but cannot see that the club has a structure in place, on or off the pitch, to compete in the league, whilst the on-going court cases place a question mark over any long term involvement with the league.

“The league, along with its clubs, has therefore rejected the club’s application."

Winchester City’s director of football, Dave Malone, welcomed the result of the vote – albeit that, as a former Salisbury director, he does not want the Whites to go down the pan.

“Thankfully common sense prevailed!” he said.

“It’s a great pity Salisbury City now look doomed for this season.

“The league officials, to their credit, had looked diligently at their application but, quite obviously, there are far too many pitfalls for the league and its members to accept them this season.

“My suggestion is that Salisbury get their house in order, where possible, then make a further application for next season.

“I’m sure most of us would welcome a properly run club of their stature if they are able to do so.”