Dublin and Wexford will find out today if they must play off

THE CORK players' strike action earlier this year is causing confusion regarding the final standings in Division One A of the National Hurling League.

Dublin and Wexford will discover today whether they must face each other in a relegation play-off, when the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) convene to clarify the National Hurling League final placings.

Dublin finished above Wexford on points difference but it remains unclear who will join Antrim in Division Two next season. Wexford are also appealing the decision to award Waterford and Kilkenny the points from Cork's postponed fixtures at the Central Appeals Committee (CAC) hearing on Thursday.

Dublin claim rule 116 of the GAA Guidelines is irrelevant as they, and Wexford, played against Cork in the current campaign.

"At this point in time we are third (from bottom) in the league table," said Dublin County Board chairman Gerry Harrington. "As both Dublin and Wexford have both played Cork Rule 116 doesn't come into play. It would be unfair to change the goalposts mid-season and force us into a play-off."

Wexford manager John Meyler adopted the less definitive stance to the forthcoming ruling from the CCCC. "The rules state we cannot be relegated on scoring difference, so we do require clarification."

Cork and Waterford may also be forced into a play-off or coin toss to decide second and third place in Division One A. They finished level but points differential cannot be used despite Cork conceding matches to both teams.

Rule 116 exception states: "If the accumulated scores of a team, so involved, are affected by a disqualification, retirement or walkover, the tie shall be decided by a play-off."

Meanwhile, the Of One Belief group have submitted proposals to the Disputes Resolution Authority seeking clarification on "eligible expenses" or payment of player grants before the issue is voted upon at next month's Congress.