On June 8, 2016 the independent tribunal heard charges bought by Football Federation Victoria against Melbourne Victory FC as a result of incidents which occurred at a PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria fixture against South Melbourne FC on 24 April 2016.

The penalties imposed upon Melbourne Victory by the independent tribunal are as follows:

 

1. Melbourne Victory take all reasonable steps to identify all the wrongdoers at the fixture and bring them to justice both before the Grievance and Disciplinary Tribunal and also Victoria Police.

 

2. That 6 championship points be deducted from the Melbourne Victory team and furthermore, there be a further 6 points deducted, such deduction to be suspended for 12 months from the date of this decision. The 6 penalty points the subject of suspension shall become actual points deducted from Melbourne Victory should it commit the same offence.

 

Given the significance of the matter and the increased interest in the decision from the football public, the independent tribunal has determined to produce a written reasoned decision which is attached here.

 

The independent tribunal indicated that but for the assistance Melbourne Victory provided to FFV in identifying the individuals responsible for the misconduct, and combined with their plea of guilty to the charge, the penalty would have been higher.

 

Subject to further individuals being identified and charged by FFV in relation to this incident, the matter is now closed.  The written decision of the independent tribunal explains in detail the panel’s reasoning, and as such FFV will not be making any further comment on the matter.