Canberra United have been deducted three competition points following the use of a fourth substitute in the 93rd minute during the 2-1 home victory over Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Saturday 11 February 2023.
The deduction of the points comes as United allegedly contravened regulations that stipulate clubs can only make substitutions within three specified blocks unless a substitution is regarded as a ‘concussion substitute.’
“It is extremely disappointing to learn that the club will lose three competition points over this matter,” Canberra United CEO Ivan Slavich commented.
“We believe that we have not committed any violation of matchday regulations because of advice we received from the match officials during the fixture.
“The club will be appealing the decision.”
Canberra United will be making no further comment on this matter until such time as the appeal has been heard.
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Canberra United Competition Regulations Breach
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) can today announce that Canberra United has been deducted three (3) points after it was found to have breached the Liberty A-League Women’s competition regulations by fielding an ineligible player in a fixture.
A show cause notice was issued to Canberra United after it was found that they utilised an unauthorised additional substitution opportunity in their fixture against Sydney FC on Saturday 11 February 2023.
Following correspondence between the APL and the Club, the APL has determined that the result of this match is deemed to be a loss for Canberra United by a result of three (3) goals to nil (0), with Sydney FC now receiving three (3) points and three (3) goals accordingly.
“The final substitute was made at a time in the game when Canberra had already used all available windows under our regulations. Whilst it is unfortunate the League must ensure its regulations are upheld,” said A-Leagues Commissioner Greg O’Rourke.
With the sanctions in mind, APL can also confirm that the following remains unchanged:
· any goals scored by any of the Club’s Player during the Match will:
o still be counted for the individual for the purposes of determining the winner of the Golden Boot;
o be eligible to be voted for the Goal of the Year; and
· any Julie Dolan Medal votes awarded to the Club’s Players for the Matches will remain valid.
In accordance with the competition regulations, Canberra United may appeal the APL’s determination in this matter in accordance with the Football Australia Grievance Procedure By-Law. Should Canberra United choose to appeal the determination, the club must lodge such an appeal within seven (7) business days of receiving the determination (by 5pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, 15 March 2023).
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