Some of the NRL’s biggest names have been banned from representing Lebanon and ordered to appear before a misconduct panel as the fall-out from an acrimonious week in camp continues.
Robbie Farah, Tim Mannah, Josh Mansour, Mitchell Moses and Michael Lichaa are among the 17 players suspended by the Lebanese Rugby League Federation for ‘breaches of its operational rules in relation to events surrounding the 22 June match versus Fiji’.
Protesting the lack of progress and planning by the LRLF since the 2017 World Cup, Lebanon players vowed to play the game with tape covering the official emblem before upping the ante and threatening to boycott the match after they warned of strong action over the logo stance.
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The match went ahead under a cloud of distrust and anger, with Lebanon thrashed 58-14 at Leichhardt Oval.
The majority of players who took part - and some who didn't take the field - have now been suspended with immediate effect and ordered to appear before a misconduct panel.
It is unclear when and where – or, even, if - the hearing will take place or the exact nature of the alleged breaches.
“The Misconduct Panel will be independent in composition and chaired by an RLIF official to ensure transparency,” the LRLF said in a statement.
The 17 charged are: Adam Douehi, Toufic El Hajj, Michel El Tom, Ahmad Ellaz, Robbie Farah, Nick Kassis, Anthony Layoun, Michael Lichaa, Bilal Maarbani, Tim Mannah, Josh Mansour, Abbas Miski, Mitchell Moses, James Roumanos, Chris Saab, Ali Saad, George Yazbek.
Farah has retired from representative rugby league, but the ban could impact the other big names involved.