Victory must go right to top if it appeals ruling

By Teo Pellizzeri

June 27 2007

Shepparton News

Cobram Victory must take its appeal to Football Federation of Australia if it wants to see the three points stripped from the side after its round four win over Shepparton South overturned.

Football Federation of Victoria informed Victory on Monday it could not hear the appeal.

"After taking legal advice we've decided not to hear the case," Victorian disciplinary co-ordinator Max Gratton said.

"We were advised by our legal team that we don't have the jurisdiction to hear the appeal."

The case at hand is the role Frank Bazzano played in the match against South, scoring two goals as Victory won 3-2.

In Victory's previous North Eastern Soccer League match against Yoogali Bazzano had been redcarded, but Victory believed the red card to have been rescinded after the referee admitted to not having seen the incident Bazzano was sent off for.

Cobram made a submission to the state federation requesting it intervene after North Eastern Soccer League's appeals board upheld a tribunal decision to award a 3-0 win to Shepparton South, with three points deducted from Cobram Victory as well as a $50 fine.

"Victory can take the matter to the national federation, but as far as the state is concerned there is nothing more we can do," Gratton said.

"The North Eastern Soccer League's constitution states that decisions made in grievance proceedings are final and binding.

"This means that the state federation cannot entertain Cobram Victory's appeal."

Victory secretary Belinda Franco said the club's committee was yet to meet and decide on whether or not the appeal would be taken to the national federation.

"It's doubtful that we'll go that far," Franco said.

The ladder is yet to reflect the tribunal's decision with Victory fourth on 18 points, one ahead of Shepparton United in fifth.

Shepparton South will move from 12 to 15 points should the ruling be enforced