The Rugby Football League could face a restructuring headache if Gateshead Thunder are penalised with relegation for administrative reasons.

Thunder could be docked nine points for entering administration after the holding company running the club was folded by shareholder Steve Garside.

That penalty would see Thunder relegated if the deduction of points was made from their 2009 season total.

Gateshead survived on the final day, relegating Leigh to Championship One.

One option for the RFL would be to shrink the top division - the Championship - to 10 teams and expand Championship One to cope with the extra numbers.

"That would be a decision for the RFL board of directors," said RFL communications manager Craig Spence.

"We are holding a watching brief. The club has not yet gone into liquidation and we are looking to have a meeting with the club in the next few weeks."

Gateshead chief executive Rod Findlay has already said he is confident that Gateshead Thunder will be represented in the Championship leagues next season in some form, and is in the process of receiving approval for a business plan from the RFL.

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