Croydon Athletic have been slapped with a hefty fine and points deduction for breaking FA rules.

The club must pay £7,500 for breaches of rules regarding payment of players under written contract, and have also been deducted 10 points - which leaves them marooned at the foot of Ryman Division One South on two points, 11 points from safety.

The fine will raise serious questions on the future of the cash-strapped club who are in dire need of new investment.

An FA statement read: "Croydon Athletic have today been deducted 10 league points and fined £7,500 after a case of financial irregularities was proven.

"An Independent Regulatory Commission heard how the Ryman Division One South club had been charged for 24 breaches of FA Rule E1(b) in relation to the 2009-10 season.

"The charges relate to breaches of The FA’s rules relating to the payment of players under written contract.

"Croydon were warned as to their future conduct, fined £7,500 and received a 10-point deduction with immediate effect."

The Rams admitted the charges, committed when shamed former owner Mazhar Majeed was in charge of the club, and chairman Chris Roots added: "We were happy that we received a fair hearing and thank the Football Association and the panel for its consideration.

"Our immediate focus remains securing new ownership for the football club so that we can start to look forward."