SHERIFF YOUTH CLUB have been removed from the FAI Cup after the Football Association of Ireland’s Domestic Committee ruled that they fielded an ineligible player in their third round win over Shelbourne.
The non-league outfit caused a massive surprise last month when they came from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Shelbourne 3-2, courtesy of goals from William Molloy (2) and Thomas Meehan.
However, club officials were asked to attend a meeting of the FAI’s Domestic Committee last Friday, September 2nd after it was “made aware of a possible player eligibility issue”.
The Domestic committee has now ruled that an ineligible player did get game time for Sheriff during the match and the club has been excluded from the competition as a result.
Limerick FC, drawn against them in the fourth round, have been given passage through to the semi-final of the competition as a result – though Shelbourne have already confirmed they will consider all legal options available to them. All parties affected have until 1pm on Tuesday to lodge an appeal.
A statement issued from Tolka Park read: “We would like to commiserate with our near neighbours and friends Sheriff YC in the decision to remove them from the competition.
“However, Shelbourne FC is aghast at the decision of the Committee not to reinstate our Club to this season’s FAI Ford Cup as a consequence of this and will be making no further comment until the Club’s Board of Management has examined, in conjunction with its Legal Advisors, all available options.”