Sydney FC’s likely ACL2 semi-final opponents in hot water fielding ‘ineligible’ Valère Germain

A 6-1 win for Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Asian Champions League Two over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors could be rescinded after reports that Sanfrecce fielded ineligible former A-League marquee, Valère Germain.

According to Deepanraj Ganesan of the Straits Times, a Singaporean news outlet, the Japanese side may be penalised for playing Valère Germain, who was supposed to have been serving a three-match suspension.

Germain was retroactively punished by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after an altercation following the Bulls’ clash against the Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final last season.

Despite Macarthur failing to qualify for Asian football this season, AFC competition rules state that suspensions follow a player to their next eligible club.

Ironically, Germain recently left Macarthur, the club he captained this season, in less than ideal circumstances; citing poor refereeing standards after picking up a two-game suspension in the A-League Men’s competition.

Per Ganesan, the AFC has been informed of the alleged breach of competition rules by Sanfrecce, and is currently investigating the matter.

Should the AFC find Sanfrecce Hiroshima to be in breach of the rules, then the side will likely be hit with a reversal of the result, with Lion City Sailors awarded a 3-0 win instead.

This could have huge ramifications for Sydney FC, whose 2-0 win over Jeonbuk on Thursday puts them in pole position to move into the ACL Two semi-finals – where their opponents will be one of either Sanfrecce or Lion City.

A tough match up with Sanfrecce looked all but certain for the Sky Blues, but the potential for the result to be reversed may give Sydney a bit of hope that Lion City can hold on to the 3-0 margin and set up an arguably easier fixture.

Update: The AFC have confirmed the forfeit. Sanfrecce will resume the tie 3-0 down when they travel to Singapore next week.