A MISCOMMUNICATION has cost the Apollo Soccer Club’s A Grade side its round one pre-season cup win against Millicent, as well as one of its new recruits until further notice.
Patrick Wilondja, who joined Apollo from the International Soccer Club prior to the season’s start, did not de-register himself from his old club and as a result Apollo fielded an illegible player in its convincing round one victory.
With all registrations within Football Federation Australia now completed online, Football Federation South Australia picked up on the discrepancy when Wilondja’s name appeared twice in the system.
“In the national registration, you actually sign up online yourself,” Limestone Coast Football Association president Eric Nieto said.
“Patrick signed up for Inter and he was registered with International – then he signed up for Apollo, so Federation picked up there was a discrepancy, as he didn’t de-register himself from the International Soccer Club.”
The outcome saw Apollo penalised for playing Wilondja in the season opener, despite the issue being unknown to the club at the time, potentially jeopardising the chances of a finals appearance in the pre-season tournament.
“It was just a miscommunication from Patrick to the Apollo Soccer Club and the International Soccer Club,” Nieto said.
“It was out of the hands of the Limestone Coast Football Association.
“We didn’t pick it up and there was no need for us to, but FFSA did and they investigated it.
“Unfortunately, because he had played a game for Apollo, they were the victim and lost that match by playing an ineligible player.”
A meeting will be conducted by the LCFA this week to discuss the situation and Nieto said they will follow the guidance of FFSA to whether there will be any further penalties.
Wilondja was not permitted to play in Sunday’s round two match against Gambier Centrals and at this stage it remains to be seen when he can be expected back on the pitch.
However, Nieto said the league has no wish to keep players from the game and awaits a verdict from FFSA.
