Stranraer Football Club has been expelled from the Scottish Cup, the Scottish FA confirmed today. The League Two side was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Hearts loanee Lyndon Tas, during their fourth-round victory over Queen's Park. Tas joined Stranraer on the day of the rescheduled match, which they won 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Scottish Cup rules stipulate that players must be registered by the original fixture date, a regulation Stranraer breached. The club's appeal against the decision was rejected by an independent panel.
As a result of the expulsion, Queen's Park will now progress to the fifth round to face Rangers. Stranraer misses out on a significant financial pay day from the scheduled match at Ibrox, which was set for Sunday, February 8, 2026. This decision has a considerable impact on the club's finances.
