Dunfermline’s expulsion came partly as the result of fielding Calum Woods, who came off the bench in the second half of the 7-1 win at East End Park, despite the SFA’s official suspensions list declaring him banned for the match.

However, it today emerged the Irn-Bru First Division club were guilty of further rule breaches, including submitting an inaccurate team line-up, altering a named substitute and not registering two outfield under-21 players.

The SFA said Dunfermline “admitted liability” in failing to acknowledge the suspension of Woods, despite receiving 26 issues of the official suspension list, in addition to the normal method of notification.

Subject to any appeal, Stenhousemuir will replace the Pars in fifth round of the competition, where they could face a lucrative home tie with Celtic, who have still to play Morton in round four.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said: “While it is unfortunate that Dunfermline Athletic will no longer be participating in the Active Nation Scottish Cup, the emergency committee were left with no alternative after it emerged the club had breached several of the cup competition rules.

“The integrity of the Active Nation Scottish Cup was paramount in the decision making process.”