Eintracht Frankfurt: 14-year-old used: fine

Eintracht Frankfurt has been fined for the illegal use of a 14-year-old player in two friendly matches. The DFB's sports court fined the Bundesliga club €20,000 for the two violations of the association's youth regulations. The Hesse club accepted the fine, making the ruling final.

Niko Ilicevic played for the Hesse team in both the 14-0 win at FSV Geislitz and the 7-1 win at SC Weimar in May, scoring a goal in each. "The decision to field him – even at 14 – was made because of his development," explained sporting director Markus Krösche: "He is an exceptional footballer." Ilicevic, nephew of former Bundesliga professional Ivo Ilicevic, normally plays for Frankfurt's U17 team. The Hesse team admitted their mistake immediately afterward. They "didn't really have it on their radar," said Krösche, after the DFB subsequently launched an investigation. "That is my responsibility. I accept responsibility," Krösche emphasized. The club "missed the fact" that the rule also applies to test matches, as Krösche said. If this rule is violated, the club faces sanctions. However, there are a number of exceptions. 14-year-olds are not mentioned, however.