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 over Miki del Castillo's suspension from prior play-offs.
- Original 2-2 draw at Estadi Nacional nullified; Esperança argued suspension didn't apply.
- Inter now has 9 points from 3 wins, tied with FC Santa Coloma atop Lliga Multisegur.
- Esperança drops to 6th; can appeal within 3 days.
The Andorran Football Federation's (FAF) Competition and Discipline Committee has awarded Inter d'Escaldes a 3-0 victory over CF Esperança after upholding a protest over an ineligible player in their season-opening league match on 6 September.
The ruling, announced in a first-instance decision, nullifies Esperança's use of Miki del Castillo, who carried a one-match suspension from the previous season's play-off due to accumulated cards. Esperança had argued the suspension did not apply, as it stemmed from a different competition, but the committee sided with Inter.
The original 2-2 draw at Estadi Nacional—where Javi Bernal scored twice for Esperança, Inter responded via a Juan Cámara penalty and an own goal by Eneko Cuéllar, and Bernal equalized in the 96th minute—now counts as a default loss for Esperança.
Inter, coached by Felip Ortiz, gains three points to reach nine from three wins, tying FC Santa Coloma as co-leaders in the Lliga Multisegur Assegurances. Both remain the only teams with a perfect record after three matches. Esperança drops to sixth, losing its point against the reigning champions.
Inter welcomed the outcome in an official statement, noting it validates their position and upholds regulatory standards and fair play.
Esperança can appeal to the FAF Appeals Committee within three working days of notification.
Inter d'Escaldes will travel to France on Friday for a friendly against Ligue 2 side Rodez Aveyron Football on Saturday at 3pm, ahead of Conference League commitments.
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