Hearing a loss for Victory - June 29 2010
Hearing a loss for Victory
June 29 2010
Shepparton News
Cobram Victory is to be stripped of its points from wins over Cobram and Shepparton South following last night's independent tribunal hearing.
Representatives from Goulburn North East Football Association and an independent panel chaired by Bob Schirmer met with Cobram officials and, later, Shepparton South officials to hear evidence relating to the ongoing dispute over Victory player Adam Gatcum's eligibility.
No Cobram Victory representative was present.
The tribunal ruled the league made an ``honest mistake'' in giving Gatcum its blessing to play, even though he was yet to serve a suspension incurred while playing in England.
The tribunal found the suspension received in England was binding to GNEFA competition and, based on rule 15.1 (definitions) of the grievance, disciplinary and tribunal by-laws, Gatcum was an ineligible player.
That conclusion saw the tribunal officially strip Victory of those wins in which he played and award 3-0 wins to the protesting clubs.
GNEFA president Frank Trimboli argued the league was within its rights to alter the by-laws as it saw fit, but this assertion was rejected on the grounds of GNEFA constitution point 7.1(d) which states ``(the league must not) otherwise amend or vary any of its by-laws without the consent of FFV''.
In a statement issued last night, Trimboli said the GNEFA would accept the tribunal's decision but that the original decision to let Gatcum play was taken on FFV advice.
``The advice from the FFV's tribunal and disciplinary co-ordinator (Kosta Dokolos) was that the player was to serve in the same competition level that they received the suspension in. The suspension was handed down in a semi-professional competition and the GNEFA is an amateur competition.
``The GNEFA took that advice in good faith and advised accordingly. The tribunal this evening did not support that advice.
``The GNEFA accepts the tribunal's decision and will adjust the result accordingly.''
Cobram Victory is expected to appeal the decision.
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