27th September, 2013
The Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Friday in Abuja ordered Kano Pillars Football Club to Lokoja for the remaining part of the 2012/2013 season.
Pillars were punished for their fans’ misconduct, after they encroached the pitch during a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 31 match.
The fans had caused the match, against Enyimba International FC of Aba at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, to be terminated three minutes before the end of regulation time.
Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the Enyimba FC chairman, had then written to the League Management Company (LMC), requesting it applies the rules guiding NPFL matches regarding encroachment and disruption of matches.
The committee, at its meeting which ended late on Thursday in Abuja, ruled that the action of Pillars’ fans violated Article 4.3 (1) of the NPFL rules.
Mr Iyke Igbokwe, the committee’s Vice-Chairman who presided over the meeting, told newsmen the match had consequently been awarded to Enyimba FC.
“The committee found out that there was massive intimidation by Kano
Pillars’ fans on the field of play, thereby preventing the continuation of the game.
“That act offends Articles 4.3 of the NPFL rules and regulations and,
consequently, a fine of N2 million shall be paid by Kano Pillars FC to the LMC within 14 days.
“The match is awarded to Enyimba by three goals and three points, and the remaining home matches of Kano Pillars shall be played at Lokoja,’’ he said.
Igbokwe said the committee also decided that the club should replace Enyimba FC’s stolen camera and at the same time repair the club’s damaged camera at the cost of N50,000.
The committee also punished Sunshine Stars FC of Akure and Kwara United FC of Ilorin for their fans’ unruly behaviour.
“Sunshine Stars will pay N350,000 to 3SC of Ibadan after their fans were found to have destroyed the Ibadan club’s video camera. They will also pay 3SC’s cameraman N50,000 for his medical expenses after
it was proved that he was attacked by Sunshine Stars’ fans.
“Also, the club will have to settle the bills for the repair of 3SC’s
damaged camera.
“However, Sunshine Stars have been awarded three points and three goals for the match,’’ Igbokwe said.
He said Gbolahan Salami, a 3SC player, was also banned from the remaining four matches of the league season and fined N100,000 for incitement and gross misconduct.
“Also, Dapo Lam-Adeshina, the former Oyo State Commissioner for Sports, was banned for one football season for encroachment,’’ Igbokwe said.
He said the match between Kwara United FC and Warri Wolves would be replayed in Abuja at a later date, with each club bearing its own expenses for the match.
The Disciplinary Committee vice-chairman said in addition to the replay, Kwara United FC would play their remaining home games in Ilorin behind closed doors.
“They will also pay N350,000 to the injured Second Assistant Referee, Mr C.I.D. Duruna for his medical bills.
“Also, Kwara United will have to pay N5 million to LMC for ineffective security provisions at the match venue, while Warri Wolves will pay N3 million to LMC for their refusal to continue play in spite of the Match Commissioner’s directive,’’ Igbokwe added.