The GFA says the First Instance Board of their Club Licensing Unit have issued a decision regarding Manchester 1962 FC, following  a review of the Club’s compliance with the Gibraltar FA Domestic Club Licensing Regulations 2024/25.

Below follows a statement from the GFA:

The Gibraltar Football Association (“Gibraltar FA”) today confirms that the First Instance Board  (“FIB”) of its Club Licensing Unit has issued a decision regarding Manchester 1962 FC, following  a review of the Club’s compliance with the Gibraltar FA Domestic Club Licensing Regulations  2024/25 (which regulate Season 2025/26). 

The Gibraltar FA has been aware of Manchester 1962 FC’s financial difficulties since July 2025  and, within the framework of its Club Licensing Regulations (the “Regulations”), has been  working closely with the Club to try to resolve these issues. This has involved ongoing monitoring,  reviews of the Club’s compliance status, and direct engagement to support the measures  required under the Regulations. Despite these efforts, the Club has failed to meet the necessary  obligations, leaving the FIB with no option but to impose a sanction. 

The FIB found that the Club has failed to meet key financial and regulatory obligations, including: • Maintaining overdue payables to players and staW; 

• Defaulting on a payment plan agreed with the Tax Authorities, resulting in the revocation of  its Tax Compliance Certificate; and 

• Failing to comply with reporting and monitoring requirements set out under the Regulations. 

As a result, Manchester 1962 FC has been sanctioned with a six (6) point deduction in the  Gibraltar Football League, effective immediately. 

The Club’s situation will be reviewed again at the next licensing monitoring deadline of 15 January  2026. By that date, Manchester 1962 FC must demonstrate that all outstanding amounts owed  to players and staff have been settled in full and that it is compliant with all licensing obligations.  If the Club has not regularised its position by then, the FIB may impose further disciplinary  measures. 

The FIB’s decision was communicated to the Club on 23 October 2025. The seven-day appeal  window has now closed, with no appeal lodged, meaning the sanction is final and effective  immediately. 

The Gibraltar FA has also communicated directly with affected players to inform them of the  mechanisms available to pursue wage-related claims, including through FIFA’s established  processes, while continuing to strengthen local structures for player protection.

The Gibraltar FA emphasises that its objective is to protect players and staff, uphold the integrity  of its competitions, and support Manchester 1962 FC in finding a sustainable path forward. As  one of Gibraltar’s oldest football institutions, with over 60 years of history and a strong youth  system, the Gibraltar FA is committed to working with the Club to explore solutions that can  safeguard its future while ensuring compliance with the Regulations. 

In-depth information on the Gibraltar FA’s Club Licensing rules and regulations, including  explainers can be found on the Gibraltar FA’s website by following this link:  

https://www.gibraltarfa.com/governance/Club-licensing