Accrington Stanley chairman has slammed the Nationwide Conference's decision not to dock 12 points from Exeter City.

League rules stated any club which went into administration would face that punishment. But, following a meeting for Conference club chairmen earlier this month, the Conference took legal advice and decided it was not in the best interests of the League to pursue the legal battle for which costs have already run into six figures - an amount for which member clubs will foot the bill, costing as much as £35,000 per club.

The play-off chasing Grecians have, therefore, been handed a lifeline and furious Whalley blasted: "It's a whitewash. An utter disgrace!

"In my personal opinion, Exeter don't deserve to have a football club.

"In 1962 Accrington Stanley owed £63,000 and paid the price.

"At the same time Exeter owed £44,000 but we lucky to somehow survive. Now their debts have risen to £4.8 million and they have still survived.

"They've got away with murder as far as I'm concerned, and I think the 20 other clubs would agree with me but there's nothing we can do.

"Exeter have a chance of getting in the play-offs and I think their lawyers have found a loop-hole in the initial agreement."

Exeter's problems don't end there, however, as the matter of them fielding ineligible player Dwane Lee has been referred to the Football Association.

The Conference has urged for an early decision in view of the club's position in the table in order for qualification for the play-offs to be clear at the end of the season.

ACCRINGTON Stanley chairman has slammed the Nationwide Conference's decision not to dock 12 points from Exeter City.

League rules stated any club which went into administration would face that punishment. But, following a meeting for Conference club chairmen earlier this month, the Conference took legal advice and decided it was not in the best interests of the League to pursue the legal battle for which costs have already run into six figures - an amount for which member clubs will foot the bill, costing as much as £35,000 per club.

The play-off chasing Grecians have, therefore, been handed a lifeline and furious Whalley blasted: "It's a whitewash. An utter disgrace!

"In my personal opinion, Exeter don't deserve to have a football club.

"In 1962 Accrington Stanley owed £63,000 and paid the price.

"At the same time Exeter owed £44,000 but we lucky to somehow survive. Now their debts have risen to £4.8 million and they have still survived.

"They've got away with murder as far as I'm concerned, and I think the 20 other clubs would agree with me but there's nothing we can do.

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