Two Premier Intermediate League clubs have been hit with points deductions and fines after fielding ineligible players.
Moyola Park and Tobermore United have both been sanctioned after they were found to have breached NIFL Premier Intermediate League Rules.
Moyola's ruling related to the eligibility of five players including Elliot McKim, Samuel McIlveen, Thomas Robinson, Harry Wylie and Jamie Willighan.
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The second ruling related to the eligibility of Tobermore United player Stephen Mills.
The NI Football League detailed the penalties on its website:
Moyola Park
The first ruling related to the eligibility of five Moyola Park players Elliot McKim, Samuel McIlveen, Thomas Robinson, Harry Wylie and Jamie Willighan.
The case was considered by a NIFL Commission and has ruled that the aforementioned players have not been registered in accordance with Rule 32(a) of the NIFL Premier Intermediate League Rules 2021/22.
IFA Professional Game Player Registration Regulations Rule 1(i) outline It shall be the responsibility of clubs playing in any match to be played under the jurisdiction of the Association to ensure that its players are eligible to play in such a match.
In accordance with Rule 35(a) of the NIFL PIL Rules 2021/22 points for Moyola Park FC in the following matches shall be forfeited and opponents awarded three points in respect of that match and a score line of 3-0 recorded in its favour.
- 15 January 2022 – Dollingstown 1-2 Moyola Park
- 29 January 2022 - Moyola Park 1-0 Banbridge Town
- 26 February 2022 - PSNI 1-3 Moyola Park
Furthermore, the club are to be fined the sum of £500.
Tobermore United
The second ruling related to the eligibility of Tobermore United player Stephen Mills.
The case was considered by a NIFL Commission and has ruled that the player was registered by Tobermore United FC as an amateur on 7 January 2022 but had already been registered and played for 2 teams this season (Churchill United FC & Limavady United FC).
In accordance with Rule 35(a) of the NIFL PIL Rules 2021/22 points for Tobermore United FC in the following matches shall be forfeited and opponents awarded three points in respect of that match and a score line of 3-0 recorded in its favour.
- 5 February 2022 – Banbridge Town 1-1 Tobermore United
- 19 February 2022 – Portstewart 0-0 Tobermore United
Furthermore, the club are to be fined the sum of £325.
The NI football League said it had asked clubs to conduct a review of the status of all current players after concerns were raised by member clubs.
Following an investigation by the NI Football League, a commission from the league requested observations from two Premier Intermediate League clubs and subsequently ruled on their findings.
NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor added: “As football people, it is frustrating and disappointing that the league has had to take this action on a number of occasions this season.
“This is an area of concern for us, but we will now proactively work to develop an education programme on competition and player registration regulations for our member clubs this summer ahead of the next registration window to avoid similar issues in future.”
The rulings mean Banbridge jump from sixth to fourth in the new PIL standings, while sixth-placed Dollingstown are now level on points with Limavady United.
The PSNI and Portstewart remain in 10th and eighth positions respectively.
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