THE Hereford United saga has taken a new twist after the club were charged with misconduct for allegedly breaching the Football Association's owners' and directors' (ODT) test.

The club are said to have fallen foul of regulations because majority shareholder Alan McCarthy has not submitted a completed and signed ODT declaration, required under FA rules.

McCarthy is the owner of Alpha Choice Finance Limited, who bought the shares from former majority shareholder Tommy Agombar, who has failed the ODT.

Hereford and McCarthy have until Monday to respond to the charges.

An FA statement said: "Mr McCarthy has been charged with misconduct under FA Rule E.1(b) and Regulation 4.3 of the ODT Regulations.

"It is alleged that Mr McCarthy has breached Regulation 3.1.3 of the ODT regulations in that he has acted as an officer of Hereford United without written confirmation from The FA that he may do so."