Chippenham Town have terminated the contract of their record signing Cortez Belle.

The Gazette revealed last week how the giant defender had presented his case in writing before a London-based disciplinary hearing on two charges of a breach of FA rules.

Significantly, the club have chosen to hold onto the player's registration, rather than release him as a free agent, in an effort to receive a fee from a rival team.

"It is with regret and severe disappointment that Chippenham Town Football Club have today terminated, without prejudice to our right for a fee, the Contract of Cortez Belle," said a statement on the official website.

"The Bluebirds have retained his registration in order to command a fee from any subsequent move to another club."

25-year-old Belle arrived from Northwich Victoria for a record £5,000.

He was suspended by the FA on November 20 after it came to light that he had not only played for a five-a-side team in a competition in Newport, but was also alleged to have assaulted the game's referee.

"The player has left the Club with very few options after it was established that he had breached the terms of his contract and Football Association rules in that he played for another team in a competitive league, in another country (Wales)," said the statement.

"In addition he was also found to have used threatening language and behaviour towards a match official, that he accepted was inappropriate and unprofessional."

More to follow.