SAN DIEGO - The CIF announced late Tuesday afternoon that Cathedral Catholic High School will not be able to defend their Division III football title.

They have been forced to forfeit all 10 of their games this season for using an ineligible player.

"We regret to announce that Cathedral has forfeited its chance to defend their CIF Division III Championship," said CIF San Diego Section Commissioner Jerry Schniepp. "The CIF San Diego Section bylaws are clear: forfeiture of more than three games in football prohibits a team from taking part in the playoffs."

Cathedral Catholic reported the violation themselves, but CIF rules state any team with more than three forfeits is not allowed to compete in the playoffs.

"I know the coaches and athletic administrators at Cathedral are very disappointed," Schniepp added. "Anyone who works in high school athletics is disappointed when something like this happens."

The identity of the ineligible player was not released. No more details were available.