The Premier League relegation battle could end up settled in a court room rather than on the pitch. Three clubs – Cardiff City, Fulham and Norwich City – have banded together and instructed their legal teams to contest the decision to not dock Sunderland points for fielding an illegible player earlier this season, the Observer reports this morning.
Sunderland were fined a six figure sum for fielding Ji-Dong won in four league games, over the course of seven weeks, earlier this season. The three clubs will argue however that a fine is not sufficient punishment and the standard penalty would have been the loss of points. With Sunderland looking likely to narrowly escape relegation the three clubs have contacted the Premier League to contend that the offence warranted far harsher punishment, in the form of a points deduction.
Sunderland have enjoyed a spectacular run of form, winning at both Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford and drawing with Manchester City at the Eithad Stadium in recent weeks. The 7 points haul has brought about a sharp change in their league position, so that the Black Cats are now 3 points off 18th with just two games remaining. Yesterday’s 1-0 win for Sunderland was a factor in Cardiff City and Fulham’s relegation yesterday afternoon. Just a few weeks ago, when Sunderland looked likely to be relegated, the issue was not a pressing one. The revival at the Stadium of Light has now made it a matter that could drag on throughout the summer. The three clubs are looking for a review of the case, and will reportedly consider suing the league if that does not happen.
The basis for the argument of the three clubs is that Sunderland have been given exceptional treatment by not being docked points, as such a punishment would be considered standard for similar cases in other league. AFC Wimbledon were docked 3 points for fielding an ineligible player in League Two recently and the lawyers of the three clubs have put together a list of similar cases.
Sunderland lost three of the four games Ji-Dong played in, and drew 1-1 with Southampton at St. Mary’s.
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