Picture: THOMAS MILES
APOLLO Soccer Club A Grade recruit Patrick Wilondja has been dealt an eight-match suspension after he was found to be registered with both his new team and former club International at the same time.
Football Federation South Australia picked up on the discrepancy – which occurred due to a late change of clubs and miscommunication by Wilondja – following the opening round of the pre-season cup, with the first penalty a disqualification to Apollo for that round-one victory.
As a result Apollo has now missed a chance to play cup finals, while Millicent has booked a place in the semi-finals on goal difference alone, despite its only victory coming from that disqualified match.
Further penalties awaited judgement and Limestone Coast Football Association president Eric Nieto said the FFSA provided a guideline for the recommended penalty, with the final decision then made by the LCFA board.
“We had guidance from Football Federation South Australia,” Nieto said.
“The penalty they gave to us in writing was between four and 10 matches.
“We as a board decided on eight matches – one had already been served at the time.”
After Sunday’s game, Wilondja is now left with a six-match sentence, which will see him on the sidelines until round seven of the premiership season on June 30.
It comes as a heavy blow to Apollo, but also as a message to all clubs to double check paperwork to prevent similar incidents in the future.
