Stephen Kenny's Derry side could suffer as a result of a replay

Bohs fielded an ineligible player in their 2-1 Eircom Premier Division victory over the leaders in August and were deducted three points.

Derry, who are three points behind Shels with a game in hand, say they will pursue all available options.

The club also plan to make a formal complaint to the FAI over the matter.

The FAI's decision is a major blow to City's title hopes - it means Derry's game in hand has effectively been wiped out.

The club's board of directors noted with "great dismay" the FAI decision.

They added: "We wish to reassure all supporters and fans in Derry and elsewhere that we intend, as a Board, to protect, robustly and resolutely, the interests of our club.

"To that end we are working closely with our legal advisers and we intend to pursue all options available to us."

"In the meantime we ask all our supporters to continue to get behind the manager and team in this difficult time as none of us want this unnecessary distraction to have any adverse effect on the field of play."

An Eircom League meeting, arranged to consider the FAI ruling, has been put back 24 hours to Saturday.

The FAI made its decision in the "interests of fair play" following an appeal by Shelbourne.

The replay must be held at the original venue, Dalymount Park, as a "matter of urgency".

The points penalty remains against Bohemians for playing Jason McGuinness in the fixture.