Inter d'Escaldes Awarded 3-0 Win Over Esperança After Ineligible Player Ruling
Andorran football authorities ruled in favor of Inter d'Escaldes' protest, nullifying Esperança's use of a suspended player and granting Inter a victory that places them level at the top of the league standings.
Key Points
- FAF committee upheld Inter's protest against CF Esperança for using suspended Miki del Castillo.
- Original 2-2 draw overturned to 0-3 default loss for Esperança on Sept. 6 at Estadi Nacional.
- Inter now has 9 points from 3 wins, tying FC Santa Coloma atop Lliga Multisegur table.
- Esperança can appeal to FAF Appeals Committee within 3 working days.
The Andorran Football Federation's (FAF) Competition and Discipline Committee has upheld a protest by Inter d'Escaldes against CF Esperança for fielding an ineligible player in their season-opening league match on 6 September.
Inter confirmed the ruling via an official statement on Friday. The committee found that Esperança registered and played Miki del Castillo, who had an outstanding one-match suspension. This led to a default 0-3 loss for Esperança, overturning the original 2-2 draw at Estadi Nacional and awarding Inter the full three points.
The match had seen Esperança take the lead through Javi Bernal, only for Inter to go ahead with a Juan Cámara penalty and an own goal by Eneko Cuéllar. Bernal equalized in the 96th minute, but the result now stands void due to the irregularity.
With the points added, Inter moves to nine points from three wins, tying FC Santa Coloma at the top of the Lliga Multisegur Assegurances table. The club welcomed the outcome, stating it recognizes their arguments and reinforces commitment to regulations and fair play.
The first-instance decision remains open to appeal before the FAF Appeals Committee within three working days of notification.
Separately, Inter d'Escaldes heads to France on Friday for a friendly against Ligue 2's Rodez Aveyron Football on Saturday at 3pm, providing extra preparation before Conference League games.
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