Leicestershire are to appeal against the decision to deduct them 27 points for the pitch they prepared for the County Championship Division One match against Glamorgan in August.
The penalty imposed by the independent Cricket Discipline Panel midway through their penultimate match of the season consisted of a £5,000 fine, the loss of all 19 points earned in the win over Glamorgan and an extra eight-point penalty, which dropped them to the bottom of the table.
They were given 10 days to decide whether to appeal - and chief executive Emma White has now confirmed they will do that, on the morning of their final Championship game of 2026, away to title-chasing Warwickshire.
"The club respects the Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) process, which is ongoing," she said in a statement.
"However, we have serious concerns about the process that resulted in the panel's decision on the charge and the sanctioning procedure. I can confirm that the club will be appealing.
"The club has instructed specialist sports law barrister Craig Harris of Furnival Chambers to advise and represent us, and Oliver Laurence of Periculum Sport to provide independent expert and strategic support throughout the appeal.
"The panel itself found that the club did not intend the pitch to play as it did and that this was not a case of cheating. Our grounds team has an outstanding record, and I am proud of the work they do.
"As we intend to appeal, it would not be appropriate for the club to comment further at this stage.
"I would ask all supporters to do the same, and to treat everyone involved, including players and staff from other counties, and those involved with administering this process, with courtesy and respect, both at the ground and online."
It means that the Championship will conclude this Sunday with uncertainty over which two clubs will drop into Division Two for 2027.
Hampshire are already relegated - but the Foxes' fate may also impact Surrey, who visit another of three title-chasing sides Somerset, as well as Essex and Glamorgan, who meet in Cardiff.