– Advertisement –
By Neto Baptiste
Attacking Saints and Freeman’s Village Scorpions could not agree on a date for the staging of their crucial playoffs encounter when they met to discuss a recent disciplinary ruling at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Technical Center on Wednesday this week.
Indications are that a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for June 2 when it is hoped that a date could be set for the important match that will determine which of the two teams will play in the FA’s Premier Division next season.
Freeman’s Village reached the FA’s playoffs after finishing third in the First Division while Attacking Saints, only promoted at the end of the 2023/24 season, were sent to the round-robin competition after finishing fifth from bottom in the top flight. Former top flight champions, SAP FC, also competed in the three-team competition but were beaten 4-1 by both Scorpions and Saints.
According to sources close to the matter, Attacking Saints have expressed a desire to appeal the disciplinary committee’s decision. They have seven days in which submit an appeal.
The clash, which was rescheduled to May 3 after being rain-affected two days prior, did not materialize after Scorpions failed to show. The Freeman’s Village men later claimed that they were under the impression the game had been rescheduled to May 4 as they had indicated to the FA, in writing, that a number of their players would not be available.
Four teams, Greenbay Hoppers (11 pts), Willikies (11 pts), Parham (13 pts) and Five Islands (17 pts) were automatically demoted from the Premier Division. Attacking Saints, finishing 10th on the 14 team standings with 19 points, were made to contest the Playoffs alongside third and fourth from the First Division. The team finishing with the most points following the round-robin play would earn a spot in the top flight for the 2025/26 domestic season.
About The Author
– Advertisement –
