The Football Association (FA) has granted Chester City Football Club (CCFC) permission to start the 2009-10 Blue Square Premier season - albeit a week late - following a meeting on 13 August.

CCFC was forced to postpone its first two fixtures of the season while officials at the FA and the Football Conference - which administers the Blue Square Premier - battled to find a solution to a breach of insolvency rules following the club's recent takeover by Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd. The club received a 10-point penalty for entering voluntary administration in May after it was relegated from the Football League. However, Football Conference rules stipulate that any club arriving in the competition is automatically demoted a division.

After Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd acquired the club at the end of May, a deal was reached whereby CCFC would be permitted to enter the Blue Square Premier with a further 15 point deduction. According to the FA's Sanctions and Registrations Committee, however, Football Conference officials breached its own rules as a result of the agreement to allow CCFC to compete in the 2009-10 competition.

An FA spokesman said: "It has been clear that the Conference would be breaking its own rules by proceeding with its proposal and this made it impossible for the FA to approve it. We would have liked to resolve this situation before the start of the season but important aspects of this arrangement have only come to light in recent days. "We understand that this unfolding situation has raised unique challenges for Chester City and the Conference. We have worked with both parties throughout this process to reach a solution that ensures that Chester City can continue to play football while respecting the financial regulations which are in place to protect the integrity of the game."

Brian Lee, chair of the Football Conference, added: "Our main objective has been achieved, which will allow Chester City to play football on Saturday against Cambridge United. We accept the Commission's findings and look forward to joining the FA in reviewing our insolvency procedures." CCFC will now start its season on 15 August against Cambridge United, although it is expected to get underway with a 25-point penalty.