10th October, 2013
The Emergency Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Thursday ordered Kwara United FC of Ilorin to play its remaining home matches in the 2012/2013 Premier League season in Lokoja.
The decision is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Media Officer of the NFA, Ademola Olajire.
The committee, according to the statement, decided to temper justice with mercy, following a special appeal by the Ilorin-based club.
The club had appealed against the decision of the appeal committee which had on Oct. 3, ordered that its remaining home matches be played in Abuja.
The decision was a fallout of the Kwara United FC versus Warri Wolves League match, where fans of the Ilorin club invaded the pitch and assaulted players and match officials.
“It was the unanimous position of the Emergency Committee that the penalty of forfeiture of three points and three goals and fine of three million naira was in order.
“We also resolved that the club should play its remaining home matches in Lokoja on leniency premise,’’ the statement said.
Kwara United had in a letter of special appeal dated Oct. 8, requested consideration to play its home matches at home or in any other neighbouring state.
The Ilorin-based club, hinged its appeal on the high cost of living in Abuja and the financial commitment of match logistics, coupled with the financial challenges facing the club.
Article 41 of the NFA Statutes states that “the Emergency Committee shall deal with all matters requiring immediate settlement between two meetings of the Executive Committee.
“The committee shall consist of the president of NFA and five members chosen from the Executive Committee for a period of two years,” the statement added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emergency committee consists of the chairman, who is also the NFA President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, assisted by six other members.
Other members are the NFA Vice Chairman, Mike Umeh, the Executive Committee member, Emeka Inyama and Alhaji Muazu Suleyman.
Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed, Ahmad Kawu, the NFA General Secretary and Musa Amadu are also members of the committee.