Hearing of protest lodged by Sliema ASC on 16/07/24 re ineligibility of player Martina Grech during Women’s Summer League match between Sliema ASC and San Giljan ASC played on 15/07/24 and won by the former with a 12-11 result.
Protests’ Board was chaired by Kevin Azzopardi, assisted by Alan Bonello.
The Board heard the testimony given by Mr Christian Saliba and Dr Nikolai Lubrano (Sliema ASC) as well as Mr Peter Bonavia and Dr Daniel Aquilina (San Giljan ASC).
After confirming all details as transcribed in official correspondence exchange during this case, Dr Aquilina exhibited a copy of the said player’s registration dated 20th January 2023 whilst also showing a copy of line ups related to previous matches during which Martina Grech was listed.
When taking the witness stand, former ASA Genera Secretary Ms. Rita Azzopardi stated that according to her records said player’s registration was never received by the ASA. This is corroborated by two facts, namely:
i) Invoice issued by ASA in September 2023 that includes all registered players. Ms Grech’s name is missing.
ii) List of registered players requested by Sliema ASC and issued by ASA in July 2024.
Once again Ms. Grech’s name does not feature.
In view of the above, the Board confirms that Ms. Grech was not registered officially as per ASA Statute and hence agrees with Sliema ASC’s claim that player was ineligible to participate.
In line with PB05 as well as with Sliema ASC’s request, as expressed by Dr Lubrano during the hearing, the Protests Board is hereby declaring the match result as null and ordering the same game to be replayed.
The deposit paid by Sliema is to be refunded in full.
