Ellan Vannin have withdrawn from the CONIFA World Football Cup amid the furore over player eligibility involving one of the opponents.

The Manx Independent Football Alliance team crashed out of the biennial competition after they lost 0-2 to hosts Barawa on Sunday afternoon, missing out on a place in the quarter-finals by virtue of goal difference.

It has since been alleged that Barawa circumvented the player eligibility rules by drafting in Mohamed Bettamer to their squad, a Libyan international who has played at a high level in the African Champions League.

Ellan Vannin’s appealed against Bettamer’s involvement but CONIFA dismissed it and Barawa’s progression to the quarter-finals was confirmed.

MIFA have now confirmed that Ellan Vannin will no longer being taking part in the remainder of their placement matches and are currently travelling back to the island.

In a new statement, CONIFA commented: ’The Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA) has been informed that Ellan Vannin has withdrawn from the 2018 Paddy Power World Football Cup.

’Ellan Vannin’s withdrawal comes following a vote of the tournament management committee on Monday, June 4 which rejected a challenge by Ellan Vannin to the eligibility of a Barawa player.

’Ellan Vannin’s fixture at 3pm on Tuesday, June 5 against Tibet at Bromley FC’s Hayes Lane, will be fulfilled by the ’London Turkish All-Stars’. Refunds will be available online or on the gate on request.

’Ellan Vannin’s remaining fixtures in the tournament will be fulfilled by other opponents - CONIFA will release further details shortly. For tournament bracket purposes, Tibet’s match today will be treated as a 3-0 win.

’Further details will be released shortly.’