In the disciplinary case between Smart City FC and Gateway United FC regarding their match on April 30th, 2023, the NFF Disciplinary Committee has made the following decisions:
After careful examination of the evidence presented, the committee found that the security provided by the Ogun State Football Association was inadequate and ineffective, leading to a serious breach of security at the match venue. Additionally, it was established that supporters of Smart City FC encroached onto the field of play and threw objects, resulting in the disruption and discontinuation of the match, in clear violation of article 16.2 of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Rules.
During the proceedings, Alh. Kamaldeen Olowoye, the General Manager of Smart City FC, admitted that his team has supporters in Ogun State and various other places. Furthermore, it was confirmed that there was a physical assault on the match officials, including the Center Referee, Oni Stephen Anuoluwapo, Assistant Referee 1, Taiwo Matthew, and Reserve Referee, Awodeyin Abidemi, by the supporters of Smart City FC, which constitutes a breach of Art. 26.1 of the NNL Rules. The Center Referee testified that he sustained minor injuries, while one of his colleagues suffered a more severe injury.
The Center Referee provided a list of lost items, including a badge, a wristwatch, control cards, a whistle, flags, and three uniforms belonging to the assaulted match officials. The total value of the lost items was estimated to be Two Hundred and Sixteen Thousand Naira (N216,000).
Based on these findings, the committee has made the following decisions:
1. The committee upholds the fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) imposed by the NNL on Smart City FC for the encroachment and throwing of objects onto the field of play, as stated in Art. 26.1 of the NNL Rules.
2. Smart City FC is fined Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) for the assault on match officials by its supporters.
3. The committee adopts the NNL’s decision to deduct three (3) points and three (3) goals from Smart City FC’s accumulated points and goals, respectively, as a consequence of the assault on match officials.
4. The ban on the supporters of Smart City FC from participating in any NNL organized match for the remainder of the 2022/2023 season is upheld.
5. The fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) imposed by the NNL as medical bills for the injuries inflicted on the match officials is set aside. The injuries were determined to be minor, and there is no evidence of significant medical expenses incurred.
6. The fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) imposed by the NNL for the payment of lost items by the match officials is reduced to Two Hundred and Sixteen Thousand Naira (N216,000.00) only. Smart City FC is instructed to pay this amount to the three (3) match officials to cover the ascertained cost of the lost items.
7. The committee upholds the NNL’s decision to warn Smart City FC to refrain from any acts of assault on match officials. Failure to comply may result in the team’s complete withdrawal from the league, as stated in Art. 26.1.1 of the rules.
8. The committee upholds the NNL’s decision regarding the resumption of the remaining 47 minutes of the game on Thursday, 20th April, 2023. The match will be played under strict closed doors at the same stadium with the same officials.
9. The warning issued to the Ogun State Football Association to ensure the provision of adequate and effective security before, during, and after matches is also upheld by the committee.
It is important to note that these decisions made by the committee are subject to the right of appeal, allowing any aggrieved party to challenge the rulings within the appropriate legal framework.
The committee meeting was attended by several individuals, including Barr. J.B. C. Obikwelu (Chairman), Barr. A.I. Abdulrahman (Vice Chairman), Barr. Ibrahim Mukhtar (Member), Barr. ‘Wole Ademoyegun (Member), Barr. Bello Galadi (Member), and Queen W. Otarakpo, Esq. (Secretary). Their presence ensured that the proceedings were conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
It is the responsibility of both Smart City FC and Gateway United FC to abide by the decisions and sanctions imposed by the committee. They are expected to comply with the fines, bans, and warnings issued, as well as to ensure the safety and security of their supporters and match officials in future matches.
The NFF Disciplinary Committee’s decisions aim to maintain the integrity and fair play within the Nigeria National League and to emphasize the importance of upholding the rules and regulations governing football matches. Acts of encroachment, throwing of objects, and assault on match officials are serious offenses that undermine the spirit of the game and jeopardize the safety of all involved.
By imposing fines, deducting points and goals, and implementing bans, the committee seeks to deter such misconduct and promote a safe and respectful environment for players, officials, and spectators. The reduction of the fine for lost items and the dismissal of the medical bill reimbursement reflects the committee’s careful consideration of the evidence and the severity of the consequences.
In conclusion, the decisions made by the NFF Disciplinary Committee regarding the match between Smart City FC and Gateway United FC on April 30th, 2023, emphasize the importance of fair play, security, and respect for match officials. It is hoped that these rulings will serve as a reminder to all clubs and their supporters to uphold the highest standards of conduct in football matches and contribute to the growth and development of the sport in Nigeria.
