Don’t rely on a team full of Aussies – but is it cheating?

At least that's what some around Celtic Crusaders will be saying, in fact it's what some people have been telling us for years.  Celtic are having 6 players deported due to a breach of visa rules.

"The UK Border Agency (UKBA) says visas used to bring the Australians to the Bridgend-based club were invalid."

The Crusaders are now left 6 players down for the run in to the end of the season and are no doubt glad of the franchise system having eliminated the spectre of relegation (not that it would have mattered in their first season).
But if its found that they knew about the irregularities or had anything to do with it they could face criminal prosecution.

To my question though, would it be classed as cheating? If it is then what happens within the game? Can other clubs appeal against losses to the Crusaders? We could end up with a rugby league Carlos Tevez type affair.