Question Number: 30325

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/19/2016

RE: Amateur Adult

Bradley Makoni of Harare, Harare Zimbabwe asks...

If a player is red carded and sent off and the team plays him while on his one match suspension and the referee fails to notice until the game is on half time what decision can be given?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Bradley,
Match eligibility (including whether a player should be on suspension or not) is not a matter for the referee. Even if the referee knows, without a doubt, that the player is suspended he cannot prevent him from playing - because it isn't a Laws of the Game issue.
The opposing team should report this to the league. The referee might choose to report it himself, but really it's up to the opposing team to report it, and the competition authority may punish the team/player in a number of different ways.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bradley
Who plays is of no concern to the referee. He simply ensures it is 11 v 11 and it is up to the teams to ensure the eligibility of its players. Referees do not prevent any one playing as it is not their role to do so. As long as the player is properly attired with no safety concerns that is all that matters to the referee.
In the situation where a player has played illegally that may be protested to the League authority who will investigate the matter fully. The evidence will include the match roster and any other relevant information.
I have seen situations where a player had appealed a ban and as such was entitled to play until the protest was heard. Protesting to the referee here is futile as he has no authority in that matter.
If the team has played an illegal player it faces the sanction of a fine and loss of points.
This is what one county association has to say
* X X FA are linked to a national database, which provides us with information about players and clubs, including all suspensions.
As a club you are fully responsible for ensuring that your players are not suspended before you play them.
If you play a suspended player you could face a fine and potentially have points deducted by your league. The player will also face a fine and could have his or he suspension increased.
If the player is suspended for monies owed or outstanding debts, the debt must be paid to the County FA only before he/she can play and he/she must have received either a receipt for payment or a clearance notice before playing. Players are still under suspension until this paperwork has been received. **

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 30326