Football: WaiBOP United likely to be docked points

Photo / Thinkstock

A clerical oversight appears likely to result in Waibop United being this week docked the points from their only win of the season so far in football's ASB Premiership.

Waibop beat Wanderers SC - a national squad preparing for next year's Fifa U-20 Championships - 3-1 at Mt Maunganui on November 22.

But a New Zealand Football check of paperwork has raised doubts about Craig Wylie's eligibility to have played in the match.

Wylie was a late addition to the Waibop squad, and while his transfer from Bay Olympic (Auckland) was fine, it appears the franchise may have made an administrative error in relation to requirements to lodge national league squad lists with New Zealand Football.

National league regulations require all players taking the field to be drawn from a "named squad" of up to 20 players which has been previously lodged with New Zealand Football.

Breaches of player registration regulations at national league level leave franchises liable for a fine of $2000 and loss of three points.

Waibop United coach Peter Smith was not authorised to speak about what had occurred.

And acting Waibop chief executive Karyn Walters said the franchise could not comment until it had received formal notification of any decision from New Zealand Football.

New Zealand Football rules manager Chris Kemp said no statement about Waibop United's situation would be made until tomorrow (Wednesday).

If points are deducted, it will be the second time a national league franchise has come to grief through technicalities after beating Wanderers SC on the pitch.

Last season Hawke's Bay were docked three points when they ineligibly played Harry Edge against Wanderers. Hawkes Bay United won 3-1, but Wanderers SC were credited with a 3-0 win - an outcome which ultimately cost Hawke's Bay a spot in the O-League.

Meanwhile Waibop United are back in action at Mt Maunganui on Saturday, where they face Waitakere United at 3pm.