Dundela are to explore what steps they can take after being thrown out of the Irish Cup.
Niall Currie's side have been ejected from the blue riband competition for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round win over Ards on January 8.
It now means Ards will progress to play Newry City in next Saturday's second round.
Dundela said they were "very disappointed with this outcome" and are now looking into all options.
The Wilgar Park club said in a statement: "Following the Irish Cup victory over Ards FC, an appeal was submitted to the IFA by Ards FC seeking reinstatement to the competition.
"The IFA have this evening upheld the appeal and reinstated Ards FC to the competition, subject to appeal.
"Dundela FC are very disappointed with this outcome, and will explore what steps will be taken next.
"No further comment will be made on this issue."
The Irish FA confirmed the expulsion on Thursday.
In a statement, the association said: "Dundela FC have been dismissed from this season’s Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup for fielding an ineligible player in round one of the competition.
"Ards FC, who were defeated 3-2 by the east Belfast team in the first round on 8 January, lodged a letter of protest with the committee regarding the eligibility of Dundela player David Fearon for the game.
"After considering documentation received from both NIFL Championship clubs, the committee decided that the protest should be upheld and agreed that Ards be reinstated to the competition to play Newry City in round two on Saturday 5 February in accordance with Rule 2 of the Challenge Cup Rules."
