http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...a/news-story/2b88e28de2735df59966e6d1ddc4f8d8
Manly face sanctions over delay in releasing salary cap data
The Manly club and some of its key officials could face sanctions from the NRL — including the prospect of deregistration — as the Sea Eagles drag their heels in providing the game’s integrity unit with access to computers and mobile phone records as part of a salary cap investigation.
As revealed in
The Australian yesterday, the Sea Eagles are taking legal advice over the amount of information they are required to hand over to the NRL after the integrity unit sought access to an avalanche of data.
At the heart of the dispute is access to laptops and mobile phones, which the NRL insists it is able to secure under Section 48 of its Code of Conduct. That clause especially refers to the NRL’s powers to take possession of computer data and hard drives.
It says the presence of personal or other information is no excuse for not handing over the requested data. The Sea Eagles have taken legal advice over the issue and while it is understood they have parted with some of the information the NRL has demanded, they are yet to meet all the integrity unit’s requirements.
That has created a standoff that could result in the NRL taking further action against the club. The game’s governing body can fine clubs under its rules or strip them of premiership points.
Alternatively, they could look to take action against individuals who refuse to comply. That could result in Sea Eagles officials being deregistered and banned from being involved with the club.
The Sea Eagles last night released a statement denying they were dragging their heels.
“Contrary to reports today, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles wish to advise that the club is complying with all directions and notifications provided under the current salary cap investigation being conducted by the NRL integrity unit,” the club said.
“Both the club and the NRL have been extremely efficient in sourcing and extracting extensive information and data that has been requested.
“Given that the investigation process is confidential in nature, we are unable to provide further comment as to the nature of how the investigation is proceeding other than to state the club is pleased with the … progress that has been achieved to date.”
The latest developments come as the Sea Eagles attempt to put out a series of brush fires. The club is also under NSW Rugby League investigation over allegations it violated rules governing junior representative games by playing a junior from outside their area.
That investigation could result in the club being sanctioned by the NSWRL. Those sanctions would pale in comparison with what it is facing from the NRL over the salary cap allegations that prompted the integrity unit to launch its investigation.
Manly chairman and majority owner Scott Penn reacted to the claims by offering to throw open his books to the NRL but the club has subsequently dug in its heels over how open those books will be. The investigation shapes as a test case for the NRL’s powers of investigation as it looks to discover whether the Sea Eagles have breached any guidelines on the payment of players.
The club has been under the microscope since last season, when claims emerged that two Sea Eagles games had been the target of match fixing. NSW Police found no evidence to support the claims but concerns were raised over the potential for unauthorised payments to players.
The implications of the investigation could be significant for the club given it is entrenched in the top four and on target to play finals football. The NRL can fine clubs or dock them of premiership points if they find any evidence of salary cap irregularities.
