Murray Football Netball League outfit Rumbalara — based in Shepparton — has been fined for exceeding the allowable player payment cap, failing to submit documentation by the required deadline and failing to lodge relevant declarations.
Rumba’s senior footballers won three games last season, finishing 10th on the table.
AFL Goulburn Murray released a statement on its website on Thursday.
“AFL Goulburn Murray (AFLGM) is committed to upholding the integrity of our football and netball competitions. As part of Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP), an Integrity Review was conducted into Rumbalara Football Netball Club’s (RFNC) player payments for the 2024 season. The review started in November 2024,” the statement read.
“Following an in-depth review, five charges relating to breaches of player payment rules were referred to the Goulburn Murray Player Payment Disciplinary Committee (PPDC). These charges were heard last night, with RFNC not contesting the charges and providing a verbal submission to the Committee.”
The committee fined Rumbalara $27,500 (with $13,500 suspended for three years) for exceeding the allowable player payment cap of $105,000 by $54,650.
“The hearing committee and integrity officer acknowledge the full co-operation of the club president and officials throughout the review process,” committee chair Bruce Caldwell said.
It also penalised Rumba $3000 for failing to submit CCSP documentation by the required deadline (three counts) and $2400 for failing to lodge individual player declarations and non-declared player statements (24 counts).
“Maintaining integrity in the game — at every level — is a shared responsibility. All leagues, clubs and players are responsible for complying with established rules and regulations,” Goulburn Murray regional chair Quentin Thomson said.
“AFLGM remains committed to supporting clubs through continued education, training and access to resources to ensure compliance with CCSP requirements.”
34°C