The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has imposed undisclosed fines on Cavalry FC and FC Supra du Québec midfielder Alessandro Biello following disciplinary incidents during their November 7, 2026, playoff semifinal clash at ATCO Field in Calgary.
According to an official league statement, Cavalry FC was fined for failing to comply with match-delivery protocols, while Biello was sanctioned for unprofessional conduct during the encounter.
The disciplinary announcement comes after a dramatic semifinal second leg in which Cavalry overturned a first-leg deficit to defeat FC Supra 2-0, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and advancing to their fourth consecutive CPL Final.
Biello became the centre of controversy in the closing moments of the contest after an altercation with a ball retriever along the touchline.
With FC Supra trailing 2-0 on the night and desperately searching for a goal to keep their playoff hopes alive, the midfielder attempted to retrieve the ball from a ball kid before making physical contact that sent the youngster backwards over the advertising barrier.
Following a Football Video Support (FVS) review, the referee overturned the initial decision and issued Biello a straight red card for violent conduct in the 90+9th minute.
The incident attracted considerable attention, with footage circulating widely across social media and drawing criticism over the midfielder’s actions towards the young ball retriever.
Canada Soccer’s official disciplinary register subsequently listed Biello for violent conduct and recorded a three-match suspension. Canada Soccer
The league’s decision to fine Cavalry FC also highlights its authority to enforce operational and matchday standards across the competition. Under the 2026 CPL Competition Guidelines, the league can impose disciplinary measures on member clubs, players and staff for violations of league protocols or directives. CPL
The CPL, meanwhile, reaffirmed its responsibility for delivering the championship final and its commitment to maintaining a professional matchday environment for players, supporters, participants and other stakeholders.
Cavalry FC will now turn their attention to the 2026 CPL Final against defending champions Atlético Ottawa on November 21, with the North Star Cup at stake.
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