Dan Wolken

USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Southern's appeal to the NCAA to play i​n a bowl game this year was denied on Tuesday, according to person with direct knowledge of the matter.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the decision had not been released publicly.

Georgia Southern won the Sun Belt with a 9-3 overall record (8-0 in the league) but was ineligible for the postseason due to its status as a first-year member of the Football Bowl Subdivision. That rule has been in place since 2002.

Georgia Southern's initial request for a waiver was denied last week. It was appealing on the grounds that its unique situation as a conference champion should merit special consideration for relief from the rule.