The Parramatta Eels have copped a hefty punishment for rorting the NRL salary Cap.
The western Sydney rugby league club's season is effectively finished after it was docked 12 competition points by the NRL and fined $1 million on Saturday.
Parramatta Eels salary cap sanctions ratified by #NRL, club gets 12-point penalty, $1m fine https://t.co/BCKDpEKO2lpic.twitter.com/I5TsPQqIrH
— ABC News Sydney (@abcnewsSydney) July 9, 2016
The decision sinks the Eels chances of a 2016 premiership tilt and sends them to near the bottom of the NRL ladder.
The NRL has also deregistered 5 club officials and the Eels' points differential from the first nine rounds will also be revoked.
In addition, The NRL has revoked its offer to suspend $250,000 of the $1 million fine proposed in the provisional sanctions imposed in May.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said said he had no choice but to come down hard on the club.
"There is nothing in those responses to warrant any change to the penalties that were originally imposed. No-one has taken responsibility for the deliberate and systematic breaches of the salary cap," he said on Saturday morning.
"It gives me no pleasure to confirm that the club will be docked 12 competition points from today and its points differential from the first nine rounds will also be revoked. The players and fans have been remarkable in the face of so much adversity this year and we feel for every single one of you.
"The $1 million fine will stand, with no suspended amount. The club has shown no willingness to work with us and the full amount of the fine will apply".
Greenberg said he was disappointed with the conduct of those people responsible for governing the club, but felt for the players.
"Their ability to be able to continue to turn up to do a job has been nothing short of phenomenal and I think they should be very proud of themselves," he said.