TORQUAY United have been slapped with a 10-point deduction for an ‘insolvency event’, National League officials have confirmed.

The Plainmoor outfit has submitted its intention to appoint administrators, leading to an automatic deduction under league rules.

The sanction drops the Gulls from 12th to 17th in the National League South, behind Weymouth who move up one place to 15th.

It means Torquay are now firmly embroiled in a relegation battle, residing just three points above the bottom four with nine games to play.

READ MORE: Torquay United set to go into administration

Torquay have also been placed under a player embargo, meaning they will be unable to strengthen their squad in a bid to escape the drop.

In a statement, the National League said: “Torquay United have been deducted 10 points from the 2023/24 National League South table after the club submitted its intention to appoint administrators.

“The club had previously announced its intention to appoint administrators, and as such is a breach of league rules with regards to being impacted by an insolvency event and is subject to an automatic sporting sanction.

“As a result, in accordance with National League rule 13.A.1, Torquay United Football Club is now subject to an automatic 10-points deduction which is applied with immediate effect.

“The league is working closely with the club and will make no further statement at this time.”

It comes after the non-League giants’ owner Clarke Osborne announced his intention to file for administration and search for new owners last month, sparking an outpouring of support for Torquay.

Weymouth have played their part, raising just shy of £3,000 for the Gulls, taking the total donations received by the club to nearly £20,000 at the time of writing.

Torquay have signed non-disclosure agreements with parties interested in acquiring the Devon club, who only 10 years ago were a League Two side.