Ladder leaders Northern Roosters have pulled out of state league 3 north west division after an investigation by Football Federation Victoria (FFV).
The Roosters, who are based in Dallas, were two points clear on top of the ladder and looked set for promotion to state league 2 north west.
FFV acting chief executive Matthew Annells said the FFV had launched an investigation into the club following an issue with player registrations.
“The FFV identified that the vast majority of registrations, administered by one individual at the club, relied on apparently false player age details,” he said.
FFV conducted a full investigation into the matter and subsequently advised the club of the following:
• The club was found to have fielded ineligible players for the competition round immediately prior to the commencement of the investigation;
• The club would play for no points until such time as it provided proof of identification for its players as requested by FFV at the beginning of the investigation; and
• The matter of the lodgement of apparently false player details was to be referred to the independent FFV Tribunal for determination.”
Annells said the Roosters decided it would withdraw its four teams.
“FFV offered an opportunity for the club to retract its withdrawal and provide proof of [player] identity,” Annells said.
“Unfortunately, the club elected not to pursue that option.
“Fixtures, results and league standings in men’s state league 3 north-west, men’s state league 3 north-west reserves, women’s state league 4 north and metropolitan league 6 north-west will be amended in accordance with the rules of competition.
“Notification of these amendments will be communicated to affected clubs within the relevant leagues on Monday, July 28.
“FFV will assist any Roosters players who may wish to transfer to other clubs this year by waiving any outstanding registration fees unpaid by Northern Roosters FC and any other applicable transfer fees.”
Club president Ali Uguz has not responded to attempts to contact him and the club’s website and Facebook page have both been taken down.
Affected players should contact the FFV MyFootballClub department for assistance on 9474 1800 (select option 2) or myfootballclub@footballfedvic.com.au.
In other results, Lalor United beat Essendon United 1-0.
For further updates on the FFV investigation visit www.northern.starweekly.com.au.
Tara Murray
