The saga of which league Sittingbourne Football Club will be playing in next season is continuing, despite there being only 24 days until the big kick-off.

Brickies’ position in Ryman League Division 1 South was seemingly confirmed last week after the FA rejected Thurrock’s appeal against a three-point penalty for fielding an ineligible player that resulted in their relegation from the Premier Division.

But the Essex club have launched a final challenge by taking their case to an independent arbitration hearing, which they say should be heard before the start of the season. If they are successful and stay up, Bourne will be moved into Ryman League Division 1 North.

The panel’s decision will be final and if they rule in Thurrock’s favour, Bourne will be moved into Division 1 North after all. But suggestions Thurrock could take their case to the European courts have been dismissed.

Ryman League chairman Alan Turvey said: “To clarify, the arbitration process under FA Rule K is final and binding on all parties with no recourse to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.”

Brickies secretary John Pitts said: “Thurrock are entitled to go to an independent arbitration committee under FA rules.

“It’s unusual for a case to go this far and we don’t know when it will be heard but the decision will be final.”