Football Australia has today sanctioned Melbourne Knights FC (the Club) under the National Code of Conduct and Ethics (the Code).
The determination relates to conduct that occurred at or in relation to the Club’s Australia Cup 2023 Quarter Final against Heidelberg United FC on Thursday, 14 September 2023 (the Match).
The Club were issued with a show cause notice and provided an opportunity to respond with respect to both the alleged infringements and, if applicable, the appropriate sanction.
Based on the material available, including, but not limited to, a range of relevant matters, including the Club’s submissions, reports from various stakeholders, the nature and seriousness of the matter, the need to deter such conduct in the future and the interests of Football Australia, the Australia Cup, and the football community more broadly.
After considering these matters, the Club has been issued with a $5,000 fine, with 50% of this fine suspended for the next three (3) iterations of the Australia Cup and will be triggered in the event that it is determined that the Club has breached the Code, with such a breach including at least conduct any of the following, being any conduct related to flares or incendiary devices, damage to property in relation to a match or the competition, or throwing of projectiles onto the field of play.
The Club has been advised that Football Australia is continuing investigations into several further matters that were identified in the initial show cause notice. Football Australia has reserved its rights in respect of these matters pending the outcome of such investigation.
In accordance with the Code the Club has seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the determination notice notify Football Australia of its intention to appeal the sanction.
