NI League Cup: Institute dismissed from competition after using ineligible player
- Published
Linfield will now play Premier Intermediate League side PSNI in the third round
Institute have been dismissed from the League Cup after they were found to have used an ineligible player in their second-round win over PSNI FC.
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) said Stute player Anthony Hargan had not been registered in according with League Cup rules.
The Championship side had been due to face Linfield in the third round on Wednesday evening.
PSNI have now been reinstated and will face the Blues at a later date.
"The case was considered by the NIFL League Cup Committee today (Wednesday 13 October) and has ruled that the player has not been registered in accordance with Rule 23 of the NIFL League Cup Rules 2021/22," read NIFL's statement.
"Therefore, in accordance with Rule 24 of the NIFL League Cup Rules 2021/22, Institute FC will be dismissed from the competition and the club losing the game in such circumstances (PSNI FC) shall replace the dismissed club and progress to the next round."
NIFL added that Hargan's ineligibility has not impacted the outcome of any Championship games.
Institute become the second team to be dismissed from this season's League Cup.
In September, Larne were thrown out after also having been found to have used an ineligible player in their second-round win over Limavady United.
