The NRL has fined the Parramatta Eels $525,000 after the club was found guilty of breaching the salary cap during the 2014 season.
An investigation revealed the Eels had exceeded the cap by over $400,000, mainly due to undisclosed third-party payments and improper contract deals.
In addition to the fine, the NRL issued a suspended four-point deduction for the 2016 season. This means the Eels would lose competition points if they failed to improve their internal management and follow salary cap rules.
NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith said the penalty was necessary to protect the fairness of the game.
> “This sends a clear message: all clubs must play by the rules,” he said.
The Eels said they would review their governance systems and work with the NRL to ensure full compliance going forward.
This scandal marked one of the most serious off-field issues of the Eels’ 2015 season and raised questions about the club’s leadership and accountability.
