St. Benedict’s College has been stripped of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) title after the organisers ruled that the tournament’s top scorer, Derrell “Zoom Zoom” Garcia, was not a bona fide student of the institution when he participated in four matches during the 2024 season.
By virtue of the ruling, St. Benedict’s were docked 12 of their 41 points and relegated to fourth on the final standings, as their victories against San Juan North Secondary (1-0), Fatima College (3-1), St. Anthony’s College (2-1), and Queen’s Royal College (2-1) have been forfeited.
As such, Fatima College (38 points) were declared the official 2024 SSFL League champions, retaining the title they won in 2023. Presentation College, San Fernando (35 points), and St. Anthony’s College (33 points) were also promoted to second and third, respectively.
The SSFL made the revelation via a press release in which it also stated that St. Benedict’s has 72 hours to appeal the decision.
“Based on the facts presented to the Committee, it appears that Derrell Garcia was ineligible to play in four matches in which he participated. Therefore, it is the decision of the Committee that St. Benedict’s College forfeit all points for each of the games in which Derrell Garcia played while ineligible,” the statement said.
The ruling was arrived at based on the opinion of attorney Tyronne Marcus, who gathered information from the SSFL and the Ministry of Education.
Marcus noted that Garcia’s first date of attendance at St. Benedict’s was October 8, 2024, making him eligible to play from October 9, when the team defeated Queen’s Royal College. However, Garcia participated in matches on October 2, 5, and 7, which violated eligibility rules.
Additionally, there are allegations that St. Benedict’s breached Article 16.1 of the SSFL registration procedure by fielding Garcia before he began attending classes.
Marcus clarified that further sanctions would fall under the purview of the SSFL’s Disciplinary Committee.
“The final determination as to whether St. Benedict’s breached any provisions of the SSFL Constitution is beyond the mandate given to the author of this opinion (Marcus). That authority rests with the Disciplinary Committee,” he shared.
While St. Benedict’s could have faced suspension for the remainder of the season, the SSFL opted for a measured response.
“The punishment must fit the crime. The sanction must not exceed what is reasonably required for the SSFL to achieve a justifiable aim,” the SSFL ruling stated.
The decision underscores the league’s commitment to upholding its rules while maintaining fairness in its disciplinary measures. St. Benedict’s now faces a crucial decision on whether to appeal the ruling or accept the consequences of their actions.