WATERFORD UNITED TODAY stood by their dramatic claim that Dundalk goal hero Michael Rafter was ineligible to play in last week’s Airtricity League play-off.

Wednesday’s Irish Sun reports that the Blues are seeking to have their defeat in the promotion/relegation decider overturned on the grounds that Rafter, who scored both goals in the Lilywhites’ 2-0 second leg win, was not properly registered.

But despite confident indications from the paper’s FAI sources that the striker’s transfer will be rubberstamped when the case is heard, Waterford insisted today that they have grounds to lodge an appeal.

If successful, the protest could entitle Waterford to a place in the Premier Division next season.

“WUFC did not make the decision lightly but stands over its merit,” a short statement on the club’s official Twitter account said. “The club will not make any further statement until the process is complete.

To clarify WUFC considered decision to make the protest very carefully! And still believes it has merit.

Dundalk say that Rafter, 20, signed for them on 21 February from St Michael’s AFC, an amateur club in Tipperary town. According to FAI Rule 34 (b), the transfer window for amateur players closes on 31 January.

However, if Rafter’s one-year deal with Dundalk was signed on a professional basis, he would be entitled to finalise the switch at any time in the professional registration period as per the same rule.

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