Ali Thameem
Football Association of Maldives has rejected an appeal filed by Club Valencia, regarding the club’s relegation from the Dhivehi Premier League.
FAM had imposed a transfer ban and a fine of MVR 50,000/- on Club Green Streets on February 8, after Valencia alerted the association of a possible forfeiting of a game.
However, the club filed an appeal after the given seven-day period had passed, a trusted source from FAM has informed Sidibari. Therefore, “the appeals committee of the FA has rejected the complaint filed by Valencia”, stated the official.
News of the domestic relegation drama had caught the attention of the international media, appearing on the likes of The Guardian, one of the biggest newspapers in the world.
Following FAM’s verdict against Green Streets in February, Club Valencia had shared its objections in a press release, stating that: a) Imposing sanctions against Green Streets is proof that FAM was aware of the incident of forfeiting the match, b) A transfer ban that would not take effect until the next window means Green Streets are given the chance to extend player contracts, implying the consequence to CGS is insufficient, c) Fines and transfer bans are common punishments against clubs, and thus undermine the seriousness of forfeiting games, and d) FAM had not addressed any of the initial concerns by Valencia.
What Valencia wanted was a point deduction against Green Streets, which would have sent CGS into relegation instead of Valencia. As the point table stood after the final day, Valencia and Green Streets were equal on points, but Green had the goal advantage.
Valencia had stated that Green Streets forfeited their final fixture with New Radiant in order to avoid the risk of relegation by goal deficit.
According to their statement, Valencia had not only alerted the FA, but have taken the matter to AFC and FIFA as well.
