Fears for the future of Croydon Athletic have deepened after the club pulled out of its weekend fixture.

The club announced it was unable to fulfil its fixture date against Ramsgate, scheduled for Saturday.

A club spokesman added: "It is with deep regret that we have had to make this decision and regret any inconvenience to our opponents.

"We will continue to work with the Isthmian League over the coming days."

The club has just been handed a £7,500 fine and deducted 10 points after pleading guilty to charges of misconduct by the Football Association.

The team is now marooned at the foot of Ryman Division One South on two points, 11 points from safety.

The cash-strapped club is in need of dire investment and the fine prompted fears for its future.

This latest development will do nothing to ease the worries of fans.

An FA statement yesterday read: "Croydon Athletic have today been deducted 10 league points and fined £7,500 after a case of financial irregularities was proven.

"An Independent Regulatory Commission heard how the Ryman Division One South club had been charged for 24 breaches of FA Rule E1(b) in relation to the 2009-10 season.

"The charges relate to breaches of The FA’s rules relating to the payment of players under written contract.

"Croydon were warned as to their future conduct, fined £7,500 and received a 10-point deduction with immediate effect."

The Rams admitted the charges, committed when shamed former owner Mazhar Majeed was in charge of the club, and chairman Chris Roots added: "We were happy that we received a fair hearing and thank the Football Association and the panel for its consideration.

"Our immediate focus remains securing new ownership for the football club so that we can start to look forward."