Laois may avoid being kicked out of the championship

The role of the sideline official in permitting Laois’ use of seven subs against Armagh in Saturday’s qualifier may see them avoid being dumped out of the championship.

At their weekly meeting in Croke Park yesterday, the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) discussed the matter of Laois exceeding the maximum number of six replacements. A decision will be made today.

As rule 6.44 (b) of the GAA’s Official Guide states, on a proven objection a team exceeding the number of substitution permitted, in this case six, could see the game awarded to the opposing team, a replay or a fine “depending on the circumstances”. However, it also states following an inquiry by the committee-in-charge, the game can be forfeited without the award of game to the opposing team, or replay or fine again “depending on the circumstances”.