By scott21 - 25 Jul 2017 8:01 PM
FFSA appeals against ruling handed down by self-appointed disciplinary committee as Adelaide United fumes
FOOTBALL FEDERATION SA is challenging a ruling - made by its self-appointed independent disciplinary committee - which has outraged Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin.
FFSA has lodged an appeal against a suspended three-point deduction made by the committee which, if activated, could push Adelaide United’s NPL side closer to relegation.
“It’s extraordinary,’’ said Griffin from Beijing.
“The decision was made a few weeks ago and I believe FFSA have done this because of the pressure from clubs who don’t want us in the NPL.
“We are also the only A-League club not allowed to have junior teams.
“We are doing good things for the development of the game in Australia, our NPL players are aged under-20, we’re fielding 16 and 17-year-olds against much older men.”
FFSA chief executive Michael Carter said the appeal had been launched without calling a board meeting and was set for a hearing on Wednesday night at Hindmarsh.
FFSA, in an emailed media release this month, announced it had fined Adelaide United $1000 after the club had played an NPL-registered player “who had not been placed on their player roster in accordance with the competition operating regulation 7h” on May 27 after a 5-3 win over Olympic.
Adelaide also was forced to forfeit a reserve game against Cumberland United and fined $500 after the unnamed player played in the May 20 clash.
“The FFSA did not call a board meeting to discuss the matter of appeal in relation to the AUFC (Adelaide United) matter,’’ said Carter.
“The FFSA does not have discretionary powers to overturn a decision handed down by the disciplinary committee.
“In this instance the FFSA handed a breach notice to AUFC.
“AUFC appealed the decision of the FFSA and the FFSA has decided to appeal the findings handed down by the disciplinary committee.”
The Reds are currently sitting in 10th place, four points clear of Blue Eagles and 13 points above already relegated Cumberland with three games remaining before the home-and-away season is done.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/football/ffsa-appeals-against-ruling-handed-down-by-selfappointed-disciplinary-committee-as-adelaide-united-fumes/news-story/3916d51306fe126e296f0fa9e93be84d
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