The RFL Board of Directors have considered the matter of the Hull FC club fielding an ineligible player in the Carnegie Challenge Cup 2008 and view it very seriously.

However, the RFL Operational Rules covering this do not prescribe a specific penalty for playing an ineligible player.  In view of the absence of a mandatory provision the RFL Board have determined that the results of the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth and fifth round matches involving Hull FC will stand and the club will continue in the competition. 

It is however clear that playing an ineligible player is a serious breach of the Operational Rules and the Board has referred the matter to the RFL Compliance Manager to deal with under the Misconduct Rules.

The RFL Board intend to review the Operational Rules relating to competitions and will consider whether the Rules should be amended so that offences of this nature will lead to mandatory expulsion from the Cup in future seasons.

The ccusations were that Jamie Thackray was not eligible to play in their fifth-round victory at Halton Stadium last Sunday.

It is claimed Thackray was ineligible as he did not sign from Leeds Rhinos until late March - three weeks after the initial deadline for Challenge Cup players.

The RFL will make no further comment as the matter is now sub judice

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