The NI Football League can confirm two rulings have been made on eligibility of players from two clubs in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League.
As a result of recent concerns raised by member clubs in relation to existing player registrations, the NI Football League asked clubs to conduct a review of the status of all current players to ensure they are correctly registered in line with league rules.
Following an investigation by the NI Football League, a commission from the league requested observations from two NIFL Premier Intermediate League clubs and subsequently ruled on their findings.
NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor said, “As football people, it is frustrating and disappointing that the league has had to take this action on a number of occasions this season.
“This is an area of concern for us, but we will now proactively work to develop an education programme on competition and player registration regulations for our member clubs this summer ahead of the next registration window to avoid similar issues in future.”
Moyola Park
The first ruling related to the eligibility of five Moyola Park players Elliot McKim, Samuel McIlveen, Thomas Robinson, Harry Wylie and Jamie Willighan.
The case was considered by a NIFL Commission and has ruled that the aforementioned players have not been registered in accordance with Rule 32(a) of the NIFL Premier Intermediate League Rules 2021/22.
IFA Professional Game Player Registration Regulations Rule 1(i) outline It shall be the responsibility of clubs playing in any match to be played under the jurisdiction of the Association to ensure that its players are eligible to play in such a match.
In accordance with Rule 35(a) of the NIFL PIL Rules 2021/22 points for Moyola Park FC in the following matches shall be forfeited and opponents awarded three points in respect of that match and a score line of 3-0 recorded in its favour.
Furthermore, the club are to be fined the sum of £500.
Tobermore United
The second ruling related to the eligibility of Tobermore United player Stephen Mills.
The case was considered by a NIFL Commission and has ruled that the player was registered by Tobermore United FC as an amateur on 7 January 2022 but had already been registered and played for 2 teams this season (Churchill United FC & Limavady United FC).
In accordance with Rule 35(a) of the NIFL PIL Rules 2021/22 points for Tobermore United FC in the following matches shall be forfeited and opponents awarded three points in respect of that match and a score line of 3-0 recorded in its favour.
Furthermore, the club are to be fined the sum of £325.
