NZF statement: Pacific Games Player Eligibility (updated)
Sunday 12 July, 2015
For immediate release
New Zealand Football CEO Andy Martin confirmed on Sunday night that the national body have been working with their lawyers throughout the day to challenge the process followed and decision made by Oceania Football Confederation regarding the eligibility of Deklan Wynne for the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Papua New Guinea.
The decision, which determined Wynne was ineligible due to him acquiring a new nationality under article 7 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes, was reached by an OFC disciplinary committee hearing early on Sunday morning (NZ time) of which New Zealand Football was not aware after being told the matter would be referred to FIFA.
Martin said given the circumstances regarding the process around the decision, Sunday night’s Olympic Qualifying final should have been postponed. Representations have been made to OFC, FIFA and the Pacific Games Council supported by NZ Olympic Committee and Sport New Zealand. At this point no response has been received from Oceania Football.
“While we firmly believe tonight’s match should have been delayed, we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that any final decision is only reached after a proper and fair process has been carried out. We trust that Oceania Football Confederation will change its position and conduct that proper and fair process.”
No further comment will be made while the challenge process continues.
ENDS