St Patrick’s Athletic have announced they intend to seek arbitration over the 15-point deduction that appears to have cost the Inchicore side the league title.
The points were deducted in March after Shelbourne discovered St Pat’s top scorer Charles Mbabazi Livingstone had been registered improperly.
The penalty meant St Pat’s, who had earned the most points on the field of play, slumping from first to third in the eircom League Premier Division, effectively handing the title to Shelbourne.
St Pat’s believe the punishment to be unfair, claiming league authorities have "singled them out".
The decision by St Pat’s means Shelbourne’s position as champions is in doubt once more as a farcical season for the league rumbles onwards.
Shamrock Rovers’ UEFA Cup position, by virtue of their second place finish, is also far from clear cut.
Shels have yet to be officially crowned champions, and it is unlikely any resolution will be reached for some time. It is unclear, now that St Pats have requested arbitration, to what extent the matter can be discussed at the eircom League’s a.g.m. tomorrow.
Domestic football fans will have to hope the case is dealt with rapidly, as UEFA stipulates it must know all European participants by May 31st.
However, Shelbourne General Secretary Ollie Byrne told ireland.comduring the week his club will object to any move towards arbitration, a process that could mean further delays.
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