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Aberbargoed Buds football club have been dealt a 30-point deduction and removed from the Ardal South East League – the third tier of Welsh football – after fielding two ineligible players.
In August last year, Aberbargoed Buds fielded two players who were on temporary eligibility contracts, meaning they could play for the youth side of one club when signed for the senior side of another.
However, according to the Football Association of Wales, Rule 62 prevents a player from playing for the senior side of another club when temporary eligibility is in effect.
However, Buds manager John Lewis said that not only were the club unaware of the rule, but the players in question were approved to play for the Buds by the FAW.
He said: “The players were registered onto the FAW’s COMET system and no notification was received by Aberbargoed about their ineligibility.
“This is only because the players were on a temporary eligibility contract. There isn’t currently a system in place to notify the club.
“We want to know why this is, and why it took the FAW so long to tell us.”
Caerphilly Observer posed this question to the governing body. In response, a spokesperson from the FAW summarised by saying: “Aberbargoed allowed player(s) to participate in matches after signing for youth team(s), which is not permitted for a club playing at National League level.”
A disciplinary panel made their decision on June 6, with league rules stating three points are to be deducted for every game an ineligible player was fielded. The club were also fined £150.
Naturally, the Buds – who have been in the National League for 17 seasons until this point – are “extremely upset” with the situation, according to their manager.
Lewis continued: “From our point of view, we can’t understand why the FAW would think that we are lying.
“These were two 18 year old lads who played a couple of games for us – there was no advantage gained.”
The Buds’ frustration has also been aimed at the Ardal Football League, with the club claiming they are still yet to receive any official confirmation of their removal from the league.
Lewis concluded: “We’re very disappointed by the outcome. This could turn into a downward spiral for the club.”
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