MacEwan University's women's soccer team forfeits 9 wins after fielding ineligible player
MacEwan University's women's soccer team forfeited nine wins and missed out on playoffs after it fielded an ineligible player 11 times this season.
The nationally ranked and defending national champion Griffins wrapped up the regular season on Sunday in first place in the Prairie division with 12 wins and two losses, but had the majority of their wins forfeited that day "due to a misinterpretation of eligibility rules related to changes caused by pandemic disruptions."
In a release on Monday, the university wrote it disclosed the issue to Canada West and U SPORTS within hours of finding out. The Griffins submitted an appeal on "compassionate grounds" and a hearing was held with U Sports Sunday morning but it was not successful.
U SPORTS decided to forfeit the nine wins in the 11 matches the students played.
"At the highest level, it was just an administrative error. The athlete was deemed ineligible," Canada West Managing Director Rocky Olfert told CTV News. "I understand this athlete transferred in from the NCAA so anytime that happens you have to ensure the transfer forms are filled out correctly and the athlete is eligible to compete in U SPORTS and Canada West and it was just an error that slipped through the cracks."
MacEwan then finished the season in sixth place with three wins and 11 losses.
"To say that we are gutted is an understatement. We feel for these women who have worked so hard this season," said Joel Mrak, the Griffins' athletic director, in a release.
"It's absolutely heartbreaking, I'm just sick to my stomach for the entire program and for the university," Olfert added.
"Defending national champions, first place in the Prairie division, had a chance to go on another run through the playoffs here in Canada West so your heart feels for those student athletes. Just a very, very difficult way to finish your season."
U SPORTS said it may impose more sanctions after it completes the full disciplinary process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.