It seems strange in any walk of life that members of an organisation would suspend investigations into potential rule breaches. But that is exactly what has happened in the English Aviva Premiership.
It is understood that Saracens and one other Premiership club were under investigation for potential breaches to the salary cap. That investigation will now not happen until at least the end of the season after a vote amongst the Premiership clubs saw overwhelming support for a suspension in proceedings.
Fears over alienating sponsors and fans, and jeopardising the clubs' positions in negotiations with the RFU over international player release, were cited as the reasons why ten of the 12 clubs chose to postpone the inquiries. Wasps and Harlequins are the only two clubs who didn't vote in favour of the suspension of the investigations.
According to Premiership salary cap rules; should clubs breach the £5 million cap - fines could include points deductions from four to 40 points. Due to the suspension of the investigation, no potential fines can be implemented in the current season unless the investigations conclude before the final round of matches on May 16th.
According to the Times, several clubs are adamant that the investigation will recommence at a later date, probably when negotiations with the RFU and other sponsors have concluded.
Saracens have been very vocal opponents to the salary cap, with several big public calls for it to be abolished.
See Also: Saracens Push For Salary Cap Abolishment Despite The Biggest Debt In Rugby History
See Also: Saracens Chief Executive Calls For Premiership To Abolish Salary Cap
Photo Credit Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
