ASKER, Jan 24 (SW) - The Norwegian Football Federation has today confirmed the decision to deny Asker to play in Toppserien 2006. This is because of Asker's financial problems. The club therefore does not fulfill the basic criteria that have to be met when reaching the new Toppserien license. The decision is final.

It is still unclear what will happen to the Toppserien fixtures. Either the league will be played with only 9 teams, or Liungen will get the 10th and last spot. This will be decided some time before February 1st.

It is also unclear what will happen to Asker's new coach Eli Landsem and star players such as Lise Klaveness and Ragnhild Gulbrandsen. It is not known if they will stay at Asker or leave for another club.