Competition judge rejects Burgos complaint over Umar Sadiq, Valencia in Copa quarter-final draw | OneFootball

The competition judge has dismissed Burgos CF’s complaint against Valencia CF over an alleged ineligible line-up in their Copa del Rey tie, confirming Valencia will be in next week’s quarter-final draw.

According to Superdeporte, Burgos argued Umar Sadiq had already played in the tournament for Real Sociedad and cited FIFA regulation 5.5 on transfers and registrations. That rule prevents a player from appearing in official matches for more than two clubs in the same season within the same national league or cup.

In his resolution, the judge found no basis for the claim in the applicable federation rules and admonished Burgos’ interpretation. The resolution stated that alleging an ineligible line-up against a licensed player with no impediment misinterprets the rules and goes against the principle that matches are decided on the pitch, not in offices.

Valencia rejected the complaint in written submissions on Friday, maintaining Sadiq’s registration complied with the rules. The club added that both LaLiga and the RFEF authorised his participation.

Valencia also argued there is no regulatory distinction between cup and league for player selection and line-up, a position the RFEF has confirmed.

Source: Superdeporte