The Reds might have to face to another obstacle for their continental campaign after Cassio's eligibility against Persipura Jayapura was questioned
Adelaide United are waiting on the official decision of Asian Football Federation (AFC) in a case of the eligibility of defender Cassio during their AFC Champions League (ACL) play-off 3-0 win over Persipura Jayapura last Thursday.The 32-year-old Brazilian actually had been sent off in the 2010 ACL in Adelaide's final match when they were beaten 3-2 by Jeonbuk Motors. Adelaide weren't involved in the 2011 ACL and Cassio never served a suspension in the A-League.
Cassio played for the Reds in the match against the Indonesian champions, raising a lot of questions about his eligibility. The AFC were expected to hand down a decision on Monday evening.
On the other hand, Football Federation Australia (FFA) stated that the organisation is aware of the situation and continue to support Adelaide's Asian journey.
"AFC officials have their legal team investigating the matter and have not yet responded to claims Cassio should have been banned," the FFA said in a statement.
"We will continue to support and work alongside Adelaide United to ensure its entry into the 2012 AFC Champions League.''
By this case, Persipura Jayapura are in a favorable position to lay a claim for walk-out win and to be participating in the 2012 ACL despite still have to waiting for the Court of Arbitration for Sport's final decision in March.
Last year, Iranian club Sepahan fielded an ineligible player in their quarter-final first leg with eventual champions Al Sadd. Sepahan had won the match, but were given a 3-0 defeat for fielding the ineligible player.
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