Cork's Ringmahon Rangers hit with five year ban over giving FAI Cup walkover to Bohemians

The FAI has slapped the club with three sanctions.

Ringmahon Rangers have been banned from the FAI Cup for five years, after the governing body came down hard on their decision to hand a walkover to Bohemians in the country’s senior Cup competition.

As revealed by the Irish Examiner 10 days ago, the Cork club couldn’t commit to the second fixture on July 19 due to a potential clash with the All-Ireland hurling final.

Fears over a low turnout at St Colman’s Park, coupled with the unavailability of several players either attending or watching the decider led to their withdrawal.

It subsequently unfolded that Cork were well beaten by Galway in last Saturday’s semi-final – prompting the Munster Senior League champions to post a black-humoured tweet seeking a pre-season friendly to fill the gap.

The FAI haven’t seen the funny side by slapping the club with three sanctions.

Most notably, a five-year ban from the FAI Cup is in place but the three-year suspension from the FAI Intermediate Cup – a competition in which they reached the last two finals – will also sting.

Furthermore, a monetary fine of €5,000 has also been imposed.

The FAI highlighted the value of competition integrity in their statement: “We would like to remind all clubs of their obligations to fulfil fixtures in accordance with FAI Disciplinary Regulations and competition rules.

“The FAI is committed to protecting the integrity of its competitions and ensuring that all fixtures are respected in the interests of participating clubs, players, officials, match officials, supporters and the wider football community.” 

In accordance with the FAI Disciplinary Regulations, this decision may be appealed.