Haitian Stars (green tops) are now back into the fray and will tackle Sugar Boys on Sunday October 27, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Islanders FC (in red) have been booted from the Virgin Gorda Cup 2013 for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in their game against Haitian Stars. Photo: VINO/File

The BVI Football Association (BVIFA) Competitions Committee upheld the decision on Friday October 25, 2013 despite a protest from the Islanders F.C.

The BFIFA cited rules 18 and 27 of the competition's rules and regulations in finding the Cup favourites guilty as charged.

As a result, the match is now deemed a forfeiture by the Islanders and the result reversed. This means Haitian Stars progress to the next round where they will face Sugar Boys this Sunday, October 27. at 8:15 P.M.

Islanders protested the decision but following a review the Competitions Committee upheld the original decision despite noting some mitigating circumstances that made the issue of the ineligible player and the way the matter was originally handled somewhat confusing.

The player concerned was already registered to VG United, a point that was brought to the attention of the Islanders F.C. when they submitted their roster ahead of the Virgin Gorda Cup by the BVIFA General Secretary (Ag.), Mr Alfred Reid. Subsequently, Islanders removed the player from the submitted list but then selected him to play in their first round match against the Haitian Stars, despite being fully aware he was no longer on their roster.

The Chairman of the Competitions Committee, Mr Aubrey Liburd pointed out in a statement that “the Committee took note of the fact that at no time did the player inform the Islanders F.C. that he was registered with VG United, but it is the responsibility of the Club to fully check into the background of a player as much as it is for the player to be honest about his position.”

To this end, the Competitions Committee will be talking to the player, who may well face further individual sanctions as a result of his no disclosure.

Additionally the Committee has found that Mr. Reid, who was performing duties as a match official for the game in question, had a responsibility to inform the Referee of the player’s ineligibility as he was fully aware of the situation and therefore have suspended him from any further match official duties for the duration of the Virgin Gorda Cup.

His suspension will be reviewed before the commencement of any other BVIFA Competition.

The Competitions committee has concluded that the matter was clouded by several shortcomings from all parties but that paramount was the need to preserve the integrity of the BVIFA as well as the Rules and Regulations.

They have promised an internal investigation to see how systems and procedures can be improved going forward to ensure football in the Territory can move to bigger and better things.