Football SA can confirm that Para Hills Knights have been sanctioned after fielding an ineligible player in their RAA National Premier Leagues SA Senior Round 2 fixture against WT Birkalla.
The match, which originally ended in a 2–2 draw, has been reviewed following confirmation that the player was carrying an outstanding suspension from Football Victoria at the time of registration and participation. Football SA’s investigation found that the player failed to disclose the carry-over suspension and provided false information during the registration process, which allowed him to be registered and made available on the competition management system.
Importantly, once Para Hills Knights became aware of the issue, the Club immediately notified Football SA and fully cooperated throughout the investigation.
Following the investigation, both the Club and the Player were issued with show cause notices regarding the alleged breaches. After considering the responses received, the Judicial Body determined that the charges will stand.
Sanctions
Para Hills Knights
As a result of the determination:
- Para Hills Knights were found to have breached Clause 5.20 of the Football SA Competition Rules and Regulations – Unregistered, Ineligible and Suspended Players
- Para Hills Knights were found to have fielded an ineligible and suspended player.
- As a result, Para Hills Knights forfeit their Round 2 RAA NPLSA Senior fixture against WT Birkalla;
- The match result is amended from 2–2 to a 3–0 victory in favour of WT Birkalla;
- All Para Hills Knights goal statistics from the match will be removed;
- All Para Hills Knights Player of the Year votes (if applicable) will be removed;
- WT Birkalla player statistics will remain unchanged; and
- All cautions and send-offs issued during the match will stand.
Player
As a result of the determination;
- The Player was found to have breached clause 12.1(b) of the Football Australia National Disciplinary Regulations
- Where an Offence is committed and suspension incurred by a Participant with one (1) Club and that Participant transfers to a new Club, that Participant will be required to serve the remainder of that suspension with the new Club;
- The Player was found to have breached clause 12.4 of the Football Australia National Disciplinary Regulations
- A suspended Participant transferring to a new Club will be required to serve the remainder of that suspension with the new Club and will not be permitted to play or act in an official capacity (such as a Team Official) until the suspension has been served in its entirety with his or her new Club in Matches forming part of a Competition - The Player was found to have breached clause 12.6 of the Football Australia National Disciplinary Regulations
- If a Participant is under suspension and transfers to a new Club, that suspension must be disclosed by the Participant on any applicable registration form under the National Registration, Status and Transfer Regulations.
- Football SA determined that the Player provided false and misleading information when registering with Para Hills Knights for the 2026 RAA NPL Season.
- Football SA determined that the Player’s actions have subsequently resulted in a Para Hills Knights sanction with a forfeiture of their RAA NPL Round 2 Senior fixture.
- The Player was found to have had 11 matches remaining on the original Football Victoria suspension.
- In addition, the Judicial Body imposed a 15-match suspension for the breaches identified.
- These suspensions are to be served consecutively, not concurrently. As of 27 March, the player has served 2 matches, leaving 24 matches outstanding.
In accordance with the Football SA Disciplinary and Judicial Body Regulations, both the Club and Player had the right to appeal within the prescribed timeframe of being handed the determination. No appeal was submitted to Football SA by the Club or Player. The result and league table have been updated.
Please find the Official memo from General Manager of Football Operations George Georganas and Senior Football Manager Firas Shahin of Football South Australia.