Best post on this thread since this fiasco startedThat may be so, but as with anything the guardians of the game must investigate allegations and rule on the accordingly. I haven't seen the letter so I don't know but from what I hear, Colm Carroll was legal on the day of the match but was illegal in previous rounds.
That leaves the FAI with a difficult decision.
Their options are
1. Allow Pike to proceed to the semi final
2. Allow St Michaels proceed to the semi final
3. Allow Clonmel Town proceed to the final
4. Reinstate the team that Colm Carroll played against
5. Replay the quarter final
If what I hear is true, Colm Carroll played in the competition as an ineligible player under rule 86 of the FAI rule book Pike must forfeit that match.
Rule 86 point 1
If a player takes part in an official match despite being ineligible, his team shall be sanctioned by forfeiting the match and paying a fine.
But the FAI's problem is what to do next.
1. They cannot allow Pike to proceed as it would contravene Rule 86
2. Allow St Michaels proceed into the Semi Final? as the player was legal there is no basis for this
3. Allow Clonmel proceed to the final? from a legal viewpoint, this would be the most sound but would make a mockery of the competition (and another small payday for the FAI)
4. Reinstate the last team that Colm Carroll played against while he was ineligible? - not practicable especially if it occurred a couple of rounds back
5. Replay the match? from a legal viewpoint, there is absolutely no basis for this but for the FAI it avoids a messy situitation
We'll know tomorrow.
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