Cliftonville’s hopes of securing a domestic treble have suffered a major setback after the club were stripped of their Women’s League Cup title for fielding two ineligible players in the final.
Glentoran, who lost 4-0 to Cliftonville in the July final at Seaview, submitted a formal complaint to the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL). Following an investigation, Glentoran have been awarded a 3-0 victory, while Cliftonville have also received a £500 fine.
The NIFL competitions committee confirmed that the two players involved had not been registered correctly under the competition’s rules.
In its statement, the league acknowledged Cliftonville Ladies for their openness, integrity and full cooperation throughout the investigation.
Cliftonville Lose Women’s League Cup Crown
Cliftonville had originally celebrated a convincing 4-0 win in the final, believing they had secured their fourth consecutive Women’s League Cup title.
Reds striker Caitlin McGuinness scored twice in the match, while her sister Kirsty McGuinness and Danielle Maxwell also found the net. However, the result has now been overturned following the registration breaches.
The decision represents a significant disappointment for Cliftonville, who had been aiming to add the League Cup to their domestic league success and complete a treble.
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Glentoran Awarded Victory Ahead of Irish Cup Final
The ruling gives Glentoran an official 3-0 victory after their original defeat in the final. The outcome also adds another dimension to the rivalry between the two Belfast clubs as they prepare for their next major meeting.
Cliftonville and Glentoran are scheduled to face each other in the Women’s Irish Cup final at Windsor Park on 24 October.
Despite losing the League Cup title, Cliftonville have already secured the league championship, finishing nine points ahead of their city rivals.
The upcoming Irish Cup final now offers both sides another opportunity to claim silverware, with Glentoran looking to build on the latest ruling and Cliftonville aiming to respond on the pitch.
The NIFL’s decision has ended Cliftonville’s League Cup celebrations and their hopes of a domestic treble, leaving the Irish Cup final as a major fixture for both teams.