The vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has sent strong messages to the participating teams to stay away from any social vices that can tarnish the image of the 2021/2022 Winners Golden Bet Lagos State Challenge Cup.
Akiwunmi who doubles as chairman of Lagos FA disclosed this at the draws of the Lagos State Challenge Cup which was held today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
A total of 127 male teams and ten female teams are expected to take part in this year’s Lagos FA Cup. Akiinwunmi said Lagos is known as a peaceful state and the state FA would not condone any form of soccer hooliganism during and after the game.
“We can only appeal to the participating teams to shun violence because any team found wanting would face disciplinary action. Club owners, managers, and coaches are advised to educate their fans and players before their game because if any team cause trouble at the match venue would be sanctioned accordingly,” said.
In his own comment, the vice chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Tade Azee cautioned the teams to play the game according to the rules and regulations. He appealed to football fans in the state not to cause problems at the match venue saying that the FA would engage the service of security agencies to beef up security around match venues. He said the era of causing hooliganism during and after the game has gone and warned the club owners to educate their players and fans on the danger of football hooliganism on the field of play.
The Lagos FA Cup would kick off on Wednesday across the five divisions in the state.
