RSL Could Be Disciplined Over Forko

Real Salt Lake may be facing discipline from FIFA if the Liberian Football Association (LFA) goes forward with formally making a complaint to the world governing body.

At the center of the dispute is Liberian defender Willis Forko. On June 10th, his country called him up to play on against Equatorial Guinea on June 17th, a qualifying game for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, but Real Salt Lake claimed that Forko was injured. Oddly enough, Forko not only suited up for his club four days after his club claimed Forko was injured, but he played the entire 90 minutes in RSL's 1-0 home loss against FC Dallas.
Real Salt Lake could now be punished for violating FIFA rules by claiming Forko was injured to withhold him from joining his national team. LFA chief scribe George Williams said Friday that his office was aware of the sitution and was preparing to inform FIFA. "We will certainly let FIFA know about this matter. We think this is unfortunate and should not be encouraged by clubs round the world.

Over at RSLFM, the author speculates that the club could face a fine and could be docked points for violating FIFA rules. Had the club earned any points with Forko in the lineup during the period in dispute, those could have been taken away also.

Whatever comes out of this, one thing is for sure: It's a Real mess in Salt Lake these days.