‘Legal advice’ move by Loughgall over Marcio Soares punishment

The Villagers’ punishment could prove significant at both the top and bottom of the Bluefin Sport Championship table upon any resumption of the Irish League season.

“Following a lengthy appeals process in which two previous hearings found in Loughgall’s favour, Loughgall Football Club is extremely disappointed with the recent decision of the IFA appeals board to deduct 4 points and fine the club £375.00,” confirmed Loughgall. “We aim to challenge this and are currently taking legal advice on the matter.”

Knockbreda lodged an initial protest last year following Soares’ appearance in a 2-1 win by Loughgall on September 28.

It is understood the player was included on the Comet player database system registered to both Loughgall and a previous club, Laurelvale of the Mid-Ulster Football League.

The latest decision, following appeals by Knockbreda against previous rulings, was made to hit Loughgall with a £375 fine and points deduction in connection to rule 35a (penalty for playing unregistered or ineligible players).

As a result of the subsequent points adjustment, Ballinamallard United move into second in the Championship table, two points ahead of Loughgall and six behind leaders Portadown with a game in hand on both Mid-Ulster clubs.

Knockbreda have now jumped off the bottom of the table, holding a two-point gap over PSNI after 30 games.

The under 20s’ adjustment also affects Loughgall reserves’ title ambitions.

A Northern Ireland Football League statement confirmed the following: “The IFA Appeals Board have ruled on an appeal lodged by Knockbreda regarding the eligibility of Marcio Soares of Loughgall in the Bluefin Sport Championship fixture on 28 September 2019.

“Following receipt of the IFA Appeals Board determination, an Independent Commission set up by the NI Football League was reconvened to consider its findings.

“Having noted the instruction of the IFA Appeals Committee the NI Football League’s Independent Commission also noted the matches in which Marcio Soares participated prior to the above fixture: 14 September 2019 - Loughgall Reserves v Ballinamallard United Reserves (U20 Championship/PIL Development League); 21 September 2019 - Loughgall v Ards (Bluefin Sport Championship).

“In accordance with Rule 35a of the Championship Rules and Rule 26a of the U20 Championship/PIL Development League Rules, Loughgall FC is fined £375 in respect of Mario Soares’ participation in the above matches.

“In addition, Loughgall shall forfeit all above fixtures and their opponents shall be awarded three points in respect of each match and a scoreline of 3-0 recorded in its favour.”

Football in Northern Ireland has been suspended until May 31.

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