Sweden’s National Sports Board on Friday upheld a fine imposed on premiership club Hammarby for breaking the rules when it signed Nigerian youngster Akinkunmi Amoo from Nigerian club Sidos FC.

In March the Swedish Football Federation (SFF) slapped Hammarby with a 350,000 kronor (about $35,000) fine for paying commission to agent Patrick Mork during the transfer. 

The SFF noted that this was a breach because Amoo was underage at the time of the deal in 2020. The 20-year-old midfielder later joined Danish club FC Copenhagen in January.

Mork was suspended for a year. He chose not to take the case further.

Hammarby rejected the SFF decision and filed an appeal to the board, Sweden’s highest sports court. 

The board noted in a statement that  “of central importance in this case, however, is that Hammarby Fotboll AB has violated Article 8.8 of the Mediator Regulations, which aims to protect young players, which is particularly difficult. 

“In addition, it must be taken into account that Hammarby Fotboll AB is an elite club that can be subject to high demands in terms of knowledge of and compliance with current regulations. “