Breadalbane Football Club notes the decision of the Scottish Amateur Football Association not to interfere with the sanctions imposed by the Perthshire Amateur Football Association (PAFA).
This matter arose from an administrative error in not ensuring two player registrations were formally confirmed, despite registration forms having been submitted.
There was no concealment and no attempt to gain any competitive advantage. The players were openly listed on official matchday teamlines and on the Club's social media page throughout. When the issue was raised by the North of Tay Committee, it was rectified immediately.
The original applications were rejected because the players were still recorded in the COMET system as still registered to a club which had gone into abeyance at the start of the season. The Club followed the system’s instructions and resubmitted the registrations. That guidance has since been confirmed as incorrect. The suggestion by PAFA that the players had been released in good time from a club that no longer existed does not reflect the system records at the time.
The Club was also criticised for not seeking further support. However, we were unaware that any issue remained after the registrations were resubmitted.
The original decision was reached without giving the Club an opportunity to present its case or mitigation. Despite detailed submissions at appeal explaining the full context, that position has been maintained.
This occurred during a period of Committee upheaval and wider inconsistency in the use of COMET for matchday teamlines within Perthshire Amateur FA competitions.
We remain of the view that a 24-point deduction — six points per match in respect of two players who would otherwise have met trialist criteria — together with expulsion from two cup competitions, does not reflect the administrative and unintentional nature of the error.
Breadalbane Football Club absolutely rejects any suggestion that this was deliberate or that the Club knowingly fielded ineligible players.
We now move forward and will continue to compete with integrity and transparency on behalf of our players, volunteers and community.
Breadalbane FC
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