surely most teams i CL have a bunch of reserves they can call up if the top players are unavailable? Every club has a reserve squad in a grade or two lower than CL. Whinging that you faced the top team and another club faced the reserves is just pathetic!
If you read the regulation, then in my opinion the Nix have a case to answer.
There is another issue and that is The TAB who takes bets on The Central League. A lucky punter from an earlier post got odds of $70 plus on North Wellington.
I wish to make it clear that I am not casting aspersions but what if someone became aware that a much-weakened team was to be fielded by The Nix then that created the opportunity to have a significant bet on North Wellington at generous odds.
There is a betting contract between NZ Football and the TAB so If they become aware of this there will be a "please explain" sought from NZ Football by the TAB.
I'm 100% certain there are rules around the players you are allowed to put on the field, but I'd also bet that there are ways to get around those regulations if you ask. I would expect that the Nix have dispensations on a number of things including the players they put on the field under differing circumstances.
The only reason the TAB/Bet365 could get involved would be if someone from either club who had pre-game knowledge made a bet and won a considerable amount - and that would make news.