Shelbourne have resigned themselves to life in the First Division after deciding not to appeal their relegation from the top flight as a result of financial difficulties.

However, the Premier Division champions have appealed the conditions imposed by the FAI in relation to their First Division licence, which many within Tolka Park believe to be unreasonable.

Under the terms of the conditions, all debts to players (€147,000) and the Revenue Commissioners (€104,000) must be paid by March 5th.

In addition, they must then submit a further set of accounts for deliberation by the end of next month at which point their situation would be reviewed.

The club feel that despite their best efforts to right their situation, their future remains uncertain and they could still be put out of business in a month's time should the FAI not be satisfied at that point.

"The club, with great regret, accepts that Shelbourne will be playing in the First Division next season," read a Shels statement this evening, "but is of the view that the conditions attached to the granting of the licence could not be complied with within the time frame stipulated because of the particular and unique situation prevailing at the club at present."

The FAI has this evening acknowledged Shelbourne's statement but will make no further comment on the matter until after the appeals board meets next week.