Blackpool Panthers would like to point out that contrary to reports by both SKY Sports and the Blackpool Gazette regarding the club breaching the salary cap, the RFL informed us one week prior to the tribunal that we, as a club, were under the salary cap total.

Blackpool Panthers Rugby League has had 10 league points deducted for breaking Rugby League Rules on payments to players. A Rugby League tribunal last night (Wednesday 28^th July 2010) ruled that payments to 12 players at the Fylde based club were deemed to be illegal payments and contravening player registration rules.

Panthers chairman John Chadwick, who attended the Leeds hearing with commercial director Peter Flynn, had no complaints. Chadwick said “we got a fair hearing, we accept the decision and we will not appeal”. RFL laws stipulate that 'all payments to players must be clearly stated in their contracts' and that has not happened in all cases at Blackpool Panthers.

The points deduction means the Panthers immediately drop from 3^rd to 5^th in the Co-operative Championship One table (Click HERE for full table) ahead of Saturday’s home clash with London Skolars.

The penalty may not damage the club’s promotion hopes too greatly.

RELATED LINKS

The Guardian.co.uk - Blackpool Panthers docked 10 points by Rugby Football League - 28 July 2010

Blackpool Gazette - Delay of Tribunal so timely for Panthers - 20 July 2010

Blackpool Gazette - Panthers face RFL tribunal - 30 June 2010

Blackpool Gazette - Panthers face salary cap probe deadline - 29 June 2010