Ferencvaros out of top flight

Hungary's most popular club Ferencvaros was excluded from the first division after they failed to get a licence to compete in the top flight, news agency MTI reported.

The 28-times champions were kicked out of the top division by the Hungarian FA just three days before the new season starts.

The FA's arbitration panel made the decision so as to comply with the rules of UEFA.

Ferencvaros was punished for failing to meet the financial requirements of the top division. The club also owes money to its former managers and coaches.

Ferencvaros was in the top flight for 105 consecutive years and had never been relegated.

Vasas Budapest, who went down last season, could benefit from Ferencvaros's exclusion by being reinstated in the top division.

Players at Ferencvaros blamed their board of directors following their relegation.

"Those responsible are located one floor above the locker rooms, I know this is a brave statement to make, but they would do the best for the club if they walked away quietly," club captain Peter Lipcsei said in reference to the board.

Ferencvaros's lawyers said they will appeal against the decision and take the case to civil court.

Ferencvaros finished sixth last season and will now have to negotiate with individual players, whose contracts stipulate first division football.

The club was founded in 1899 and has played in the top division since it was founded in 1901.