WATERFORD UNITED’S PROTEST into their Airtricity League play-off defeat has been thrown out by an FAI Disciplinary Committee.

A three-man panel today rejected Waterford’s claims that Dundalk striker Michael Rafter was improperly registered and therefore ineligible to play in the promotion/relegation decider.

Rafter scored both goals in the Lilywhites’ 2-0 second leg win. Dundalk won 4-2 on aggregate, guaranteeing the club’s top-flight survival for another season.

But the result was thrown into doubt days later as Waterford lodged a complaint alleging that Rafter’s transfer from St Michael’s AFC, an amateur club in Tipperary town, in February was not completed within the appropriate registration window.

An FAI Disciplinary committee comprised of chairman Barry Collins, John Kane and John Coughlan heard submissions from both clubs as well as from the Airtricity League before dismissing the Blues’ challenge.

A statement read: “The Disciplinary Committee decided that the rules regarding registration and transfer of players allow for their movement from the amateur game to the professional game within the professional registration periods.

“The Disciplinary Committee ruled that Michael Rafter’s transfer to Dundalk complied with the rules and therefore he was eligible to play in the fixture on November 2, 2012.”

Waterford have the right to appeal the decision to the FAI Appeals Committee as per FAI Rule 156.

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