Queen's Park have been banned from competing in the Scottish Amateur Cup next season ? denying them the chance to retain their title.

Despite playing in the Scottish Football League, the club have been given special dispensation to carry on competing in the cup for the past eight years having retained their amateur status.

The Hoops defeated Hurlford Thistle 3-1 in May to pick up the trophy but have been told they will not be able to compete again in the 2009/10 season.

SAFA President Angus McKay said: "We are obliged to fall into line with an SFA requirement to have all amateur players registered on a national registration system.

"As Queen's Park players are registered to the Scottish Football League and do not play in an amateur Saturday league they will not appear on the database.

"As it stands they cannot be allowed to enter."