Dublin City have thrown the eircom League into disarray tonight with the news that their financial difficulties have forced them out of league football.

Their resignation from the league, which was accepted by the FAI earlier this evening, has forced officials to declare all 17 of their existing results this season null and void, putting a totally different complexion on Premier Division standings.

The biggest losers in the league reshuffle have been joint-leaders Shelbourne and Cork City who had recorded two wins over the Vikings to date this campaign. The loss of those six points have seen Drogheda United and Derry City overtake them both at the top of the table.

"As a consequence of the resignation, the Board of Control have decided to expunge the results of all 17 eircom League matches played by Dublin City F.C to date this season," an FAI statement explained.

Elected to the league in 1972, under it's previous guise as Home Farm and subsequently Home Farm Everton and Home Farm Fingal, the Vikings rejoined the top-flight last season having finished second in the First Division.

Manager Dermot Keely had managed to keep his side above the drop-zone with four wins to date but it was to be affairs off the pitch that would signal the 1975 FAI Cup winners' demise.

Chairman Ronan Seery was unable to keep the club afloat and released the following statement this evening: "Due to ongoing difficulties, our continued existence within the eircom League simply became untenable and while extremely difficult to make, it is the most prudent and honourable decision and course of action to take.

"To those investors and sponsors, the players and the loyal core of Vikings fans, I thank you for your unstinting efforts on behalf of the club."