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Lebanon players threaten Test boycott

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19th June, 2019
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Lebanon players, led by Robbie Farah, have sensationally threatened to boycott Saturday’s Test against Fiji over their skirmish with the Lebanon Rugby League Federation (LRLF).

The Cedars players are at odds with the LRLF over their demands for fresh board elections and planned to carry out a protest during their clash at Leichhardt Oval by taping over the governing body’s logo on their jerseys.

The LRLF responded on Wednesday by threatening Cedars players with jail, fines and suspension.

In response, Farah said on Wednesday afternoon that the players would strike unless their demands were met.

“Whilst I think it is only a threat and I’m not sure what jurisdiction they have carry out those threats, we have spoken about it and if that’s the case, we have some players here who don’t want to cover up the badge, we’ll seriously talk about not taking the field this weekend,” Cedars skipper Robbie Farah said.

“Because we are united as a playing group in demanding change.

“Sometimes you have to a create a stir to get people to listen to you.”

The Lebanon players are scheduled to meet with Rugby League International Federation CEO in Sydney on Wednesday.

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The players are disputing the LRLF’s recent board elections amid complaints that the country has failed to capitalise on its 2017 World Cup success where they went within two points of beating Tonga in the quarter-finals.

In response the LRLF threatened the players with arrest if they followed through with their plans.

The LRLF said in a statement: “Consequently, on Tuesday, 18 June, the board decided upon the following resolutions.

“1. Any player who conceals the CEDARS badge – which is the emblem the federation selected to be worn by the representative of al watan, the nation – will face misconduct charges.

“2. Any player who conceals the CEDARS badge will be suspended with immediate effect pending the outcomes of any misconduct hearing.

“3. The LRLF will seek significant monetary fines on any person found guilty of misconduct related to this incident.

“4. The Lebanese public prosecutor’s office has been made aware of the incident and will launch an investigation in coordination with the LRLF. It is a criminal offence to denigrate the national emblem of the Republic of Lebanon.”

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Farah on Monday said that the Lebanon-based player had boycotted the local competition because of their grievances and unless it resumed the Cedars could be stripped of their place in the 2021 World Cup.

However, the LRLF disputed this, saying it had no basis.

© AAP

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