New Zealand Football today confirmed that Southern United has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in its ISPS Handa Premiership match week one game against Tasman United.

New Zealand Football received a protest regarding the eligibility of two Southern United players in the above match.

Following a comprehensive review of the evidence including submissions made by Southern United, the NZF Competitions Administrator found that Southern United fielded one player not named on the club’s official list of players.

As a consequence of the player taking part, the match is declared to be forfeited by Southern United and shall be recorded as a 3-0 win for Tasman United. The ISPS Handa Premiership table has been amended accordingly.

This is in accordance with regulation 18.2 of the National League Regulations 2019/20 and regulations 13.12 and 34.1 of the NZF Disciplinary Code.

The Competitions Administrator has a significant level of sympathy for Southern United’s situation, however notes that the NZF Disciplinary Code provides no discretion for matters of eligibility.

Southern United has confirmed it will appeal against the decision to the NZF Disciplinary Committee.

To view the National League Regulations 2019/20 please click here

To view the NZF Disciplinary Code please click here

Article added: Wednesday 04 December 2019