Capital Football would like to provide an update to clubs regarding the dispensation regulation breach by Lower Hutt City AFC (LHCAFC). See previous communications on this subject here.

LHCAFC appealed the Regional Association Disciplinary Committees Decision to the New Zealand Football Disciplinary Committee (NZF DC). 

The NZF DC have reviewed the appeal made by LHCAFC and have made the decision to overturn the sanctions imposed by the Competitions Administration before 22 July 2022. See below:

• The sanctions imposed on the LHCAFC and the points reduction for the matches before 22 July 2022 are rescinded or overturned and points restored.
• The sanctions imposed on the LHCAFC and the points reduction for the matches after 22 July 2022 still stand.

Capital Football have made the decision to appeal the NZF DC’s ruling to the New Zealand Football Appeals Committee. The reasons for appealing are highlighted below:

• After considering the NZF DC decision and taking advice, we consider the decision to be incorrect in its interpretation of the Capital Football/Wellington Phoenix (WPX) Participation Agreement and Capital Football Playing Regulations.
• Furthermore, the NZF DC was not provided with the reasons for the Regional Association Disciplinary Committee decision which was being appealed to it, and which had upheld the Competitions Administrator`s decision. Capital Football thinks this is unsatisfactory and concerning that the correct process was not followed.
• In our view, the separate ground for the decision, that Capital Football`s Competitions Administrator “possibly failed to recognize or address” that WPX youth players were playing for LHCAFC, is unsound. We think the onus is on clubs to ensure their players are eligible to play and that it would set a bad precedent for it to be a defence to playing ineligible players to be able to assert that Capital Football should have identified the ineligibility before the match took place. 

Capital Football acknowledge that this process has had a significant impact on all clubs involved and understand that it is an unfortunate way to end the season. We are very conscious of the importance of this dispute and what it means for two of our member clubs, quite apart from LHCAFC and WPX.  But we believe for the integrity of our competitions the NZF DC decision should be taken on appeal. We will do all we can to expedite a hearing of the appeal.

The New Zealand Football Appeals Committee have confirmed that a decision will be reached no later than 5pm 9 September. In the interim, any changes to competition tables and scheduling of the playoff games will be put on hold.  

Again, we appreciate your patience while we work through this. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Operations Manager, Blair Duncan, at blair@capitalfootballl.org.nz

Article added: Friday 02 September 2022