Football Federation Australia (FFA) determined today that Melbourne Victory player, Besart Berisha, had breached the FFA National Code of Conduct (the Code) by his actions after the Hyundai A-League Round 17 match between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory on 14 February 2015. The player made an offensive gesture to the crowd as he made his way to the dressing room.
Berisha was asked to make a submission to FFA in response to the allegation by 5pm Monday 23 February 2015.
FFA determined to sanction Berisha with an official reprimand. In confining the sanction to a reprimand, FFA took into account that:
· Berisha accepted that his conduct was unacceptable;
· Berisha is remorseful and apologetic for his conduct; and, in particular,
· Berisha’s Club, Melbourne Victory FC, has itself sanctioned Berisha with a monetary fine in relation to the incident, which FFA considered was an appropriate sanction in the circumstances.
In addition, FFA has warned Berisha that any further breach of the Code could result in more severe sanctions being applied.
Berisha has 7 business days to appeal FFA’s determination, should he wish to do so.
Melbourne Victory FC have since released a statement saying the club, on behalf of the player, accepts the FFA's sanction of an official reprimand.