SANFL Statement – Gaza FC Salary Cap Breaches

Gaza Football Club has today been found guilty of breaching player payment regulations following a hearing this week before the independent Salary Cap Commissioner.

The club, which competes in the Adelaide Footy League, challenged charges laid against it by the SANFL in August 2023 for serious breaches of regulation 31 of the SANFL Community Football Rules and Regulations.

The charges were in relation to breaches during the 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 seasons and included upfront player payments, individual player match payments and total player match payments which significantly exceeded the maximum allowable under the Player Payment Regulations.

The club pleaded not guilty to all charges, however after hearing evidence over two days from all parties involved, including six witnesses, Commissioner The Hon. Michael David KC found the charges proven and the club guilty of 223 breaches of the regulations.

Club President Don Rosella also was today found guilty of charges relating to breaches from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Two other club officials had already accepted the sanctions which were offered to them.

Given the severity of the breaches and associated penalties, the tribunal will reconvene on Tuesday, February 20 to hear submissions on penalties.