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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.