The Ba U19 Youth side has been crowned the 2019 Vodafone U19 Youth League champion after finishing top in the final playoffs at the Fiji FA headquarters ground in Vatuwaqa last weekend.
Ba claims the title despite the last match against Rewa U19 was abandoned by the referee.
The Boys-in-Black, after beating Labasa 4-1 in their opening match, were leading 2-0 against Rewa but the match was abandoned after a Rewa player allegedly assaulted the referee in the injury time.
Fiji FA competitions manager Amitesh Pal said the Fiji FA Board of Control (BOC) has decided to award the match to Ba.
“The Fiji FA BOC has decided the following in respect to the abandonment of the Vodafone U19 Youth League 2019 Playoff between Rewa U19 and Ba U19, that Rewa U19 is responsible for the match being abandoned since their player assaulted the referee and as a result referees could not continue with the match,” said Pal.
Pal said it clearly states in the competition regulations Article 6.2 & 6.4 on the match abundant.
Article 6.2 states that any district/club who refuses to play or whose behavior is liable for a match not being played or being abandoned may be ordered to reimburse Fiji FA, the Host Organization or any other Participating district/club for any expenses incurred as a result of its behavior. In such cases, the Participating Club concerned may also be ordered by to pay compensation for any damages incurred by Fiji FA, the Host Association or any other Participating Club. The Participating Club in question will also forfeit any claim to financial remuneration from Fiji FA.
Article 6.4 states that if through the fault of any Participating Club a match cannot take place or be played in its entirety, Fiji FA shall declare the match abandoned. Fiji FA will award victory and the resultant three [3] points to the opposing Participating Club as well as the score of 3-0, or greater, depending on the score in the match at the time of abandonment. The Participating Club may also be disqualified from the competition.
Pal said, therefore, Rewa U19 was deemed to be responsible for the match not being completed.
“In accordance to the regulations, Rewa’s point will be forfeited the match in favor of Ba U19 and award three points and three goals to Ba U19.
“As a result Ba finishes first in the competition with six points followed by Labasa with three points.”
“Further disciplinary preceding will be initiated against the player who assaulted the referee.”
Pal said a presentation ceremony would be organised for Ba U19 soon.
Ba receives $4,000 prizemoney while Labasa walks away with $1,500.
