Sport
12 September, 2024
Shock decision puts Bulls in grand final
The Mareeba Bulls are calling for a delay in the FQPL Far North & Gulf grand final, following Football Queensland’s shock disqualification of the Leichhardt Lions in the preliminary final last week.
Leichhardt, which was set to play Marlin Coast Rangers in the grand final this Saturday, was ruled out following an investigation by FQ which found the club fielded two ineligible players in the match against Mareeba. This now puts the Bulls into the grand final but the team is calling for a week's extension, as they are not player-ready.
In a letter critical of FQ communication, Mareeba United Football Club said it had not instigated or been aware of the complaint, the investigation, or the decision until late Wednesday, and wants the game rescheduled for September 21.
Read QF's decision and the Mareeba Club's letter in full here:
Football Queensland statement on FQPL
Far North & Gulf Men Preliminary Final
SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
Football Queensland has concluded its investigation into the alleged fielding of ineligible players by Leichhardt FC in the FQPL Far North & Gulf Men Preliminary Final against Mareeba United on Saturday, 7 September 2024.
Following this investigation, Football Queensland has determined that Leichhardt FC fielded two (2) ineligible players in the fixture.
Accordingly, and in line with the 2024 Statewide Rules of Competition, the following sanction has been determined:
- The result of the match will be overturned and recorded as a 3-0 win in favour of Mareeba United.
- Leichhardt FC will be fined $400.00
Mareeba United will subsequently progress to the FQPL Far North & Gulf Men Grand Final, where they will face Marlin Coast Rangers on Saturday, 14 September.
Throughout the investigation, Football Queensland has become aware of further alleged breaches of player eligibility and registration regulations by Leichhardt FC during the 2024 FQPL Far North & Gulf Men season.
These alleged breaches remain under investigation, and Football Queensland will issue further communication once this investigation has concluded.
Mareeba Club's letter:
Hi Kristy,
I would like it to be made clear that Mareeba United Football Club Committee or its coaching staff did not instigate the official complaint against Leichhardt.
However, the decision from Football Queensland has propelled us to the grand final this Saturday the 14th of September.
Communication from Football Queensland has been very poor to say the least.
MUFC received an anonymous email on Monday the 9th of September informing MUFC that Leichhardt had fielded two ineligible players in the semi-final.
We then received another email on Wednesday 11th of September at 5pm informing us that, "Mareeba United will subsequently progress to the FQPL Far North & Gulf Men’s Grand Final, where they will face Marlin Coast Rangers on Saturday, 14 September.
No one from FQPL Far North bothered to inform the club of an investigation, and no phone call was forthcoming from the organisation to inform us of the decision.
This came to us via a cut and paste of the press release on the FQ website.
On conclusion of the Semi-final last weekend, coaches and players who thought they lost the game fair and square, made alternative arrangements for this weekend.
This situation has left the club, coaching staff and players with just two days to prepare for the Grand Final.
Players have not participated in any training sessions since the weekends loss to Leichhardt and has not had the opportunity to treat players for injuries sustained throughout the last match as, in the players’ minds their season was over.
Upon receiving a letter from FQ yesterday afternoon, the senior coaching staff advised all the premier players they are now required to play the Grand Final.
Unfortunately, we have players that cannot cancel commitments due to such short notice (plane flights, family commitments, Etc).
At this point in time we can confirm we do not have a team to field for the Grand Final.
However, in all fairness, should the club be given an extension of 1 week which is not unreasonable due to the circumstances, we may be able to field a competitive team by September 21.
Yes, we are requesting an extension for the Grand Final to be postponed until
the following weekend the 21st of September for our players to be available and
prepared for the Grand Final match.
This is in the best interest of the Mareeba United Football Club.
