Buckie Thistle and Formartine United were spared any punishment in response to charges of fielding ineligible players.

The vote from the 14 clubs outside of the league’s top four voted to take no action at a special management committee meeting.

The Highland League have also confirmed they will review the rules to reduce confusion in future.

League management representatives were locked in discussions for two hours and 35 minutes before announcing their decision.

Buckie are now favourites to win the title as they face bottom club Strathspey at home on Saturday.

The controversy all centred on the inclusion of midfielder Callum Murray in their matchday squad last weekend against Formartine.

But a vote ruled the club will face no action.

Formartine remain locked in fourth place ahead of their final game away at Wick.

There were similar concerns after Max Berton was included in two matchday squads with questions over his registration.

There was no comment from Buckie or Cove after the decision was announced.