The Adelaide Thunderbirds have been fined $100,000 for a breach of Total Player Payments during the 2019 season.
The Thunderbirds must make an immediate payment of $10,000 with the remaining $90,000 suspended for the next three years.
The fine follows a November 2019 self-report from the CEO of the Adelaide Thunderbirds Bronwyn Klei to the League Compliance Manager. The report raised concerns in relation to contracts signed prior to her commencing in the role.
The potential breach was then investigated as part of the league’s annual KPMG Compliance Review which found payments and vehicles were provided above approved player contracts.
Following the review, the League Compliance Manager confirmed the Thunderbirds had exceeded their Total Player Payments by $22,698 for the 2019 season.
Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said the league expected all clubs to adhere to rules on player payments and benefits.
“The rules that govern our game are the backbone of a fair and equitable competition. The Adelaide Thunderbirds have rightfully been fined in this instance and they also have been put on notice that further fines will apply if any issues relating to Total Player Payments arise in the future” he said.
“I would like to acknowledge Thunderbirds management for coming forward when they realised there was an issue, and their cooperation throughout our investigation.”
League management has already begun working with the Thunderbirds to improve their systems and processes around Total Player Payment compliance, the team will also be audited again at the end of the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season.
