The hammer of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come down hard on three lower division clubs – Kada FC, Kaduna United and Malunfashi FC, following various infringements of the rules.
With issues ranging from crowd violence, non-adherence to closed-door orders and rescheduled fixtures, the NFF disciplinary committee reeled out various punitive measures for the three clubs.
The measures were revealed in a communique after the committee’s meeting on Thursday at Bolton White Hotel & Apartments in Abuja.
The communique stated in part: “It was established that Kada City failed to attend the Pre- Match Meeting which amounts to a misconduct under Art, 23 of the Nigeria National League rules.
“That the directive of the NNL for the Match to be played behind closed doors was not adhered to by both teams, as their supporters were present.
“That Kada City failed to provide Ambulance for the Match as they were required by the rules and regulations of the NNL.
“That there was encroachment and disruption of the Match by the fans of Kaduna United FC at the 88th minute in breach of Art. 16. 1 and Art. 22. 9 of the Rules.
“Based on the findings, the Committee upholds the decisions of the Nigeria National League (NNL), in part, to wit:
“That Kada City FC is hereby fined the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand (N250,000) Naira only, for failing to attend Pre-match meeting without an established reason, in line with article 18.3.4. of the NNL Rules.
“That Kada City FC is also fined the sum of Two Hundred Thousand (N200,000) Naira only, for failure to provide ambulance services during the game in line with Article 20.12 of the NNL Rules.
“That both teams, Kada City FC and Kaduna United FC, are hereby warned for their failure to adhere to the closed door order.
“That Kaduna United FC is hereby fined the sum of One Million (N1,000,000) Naira only for encroachment and disruption of the game in line with Article 16.2 of the NNL Rules.
“That the result of the match i.e. 1-0 in favour of Kada City FC, as at the time of disruption, stands in line with Article 15.10.2 of the NNL Rules.
“IN THE MATTER BETWEEN MALUMFASHI FC VS. REAL STARS FC IN THE MATCH PLAYED BETWEEN REAL STARS FC VS. MALUMFASHI FC
“That the Match was stopped at 75th minute of play due to heavy rainfall which made the pitch “water logged and unplayable” as stated by the Referee and the Match Commissioner in their reports.
“That when the referee called for the match to be continued, the Malumfashi FC players refused to continue as stated in the Match Reports.
“Based on the findings, the Committee upholds the decisions of the Nigeria National League (NNL), to wit:
“That for the refusal of Malumfashi FC to continue with the game, 3 points and 3 goals are hereby awarded to Real Stars FC in accordance with Art. 14. 8 of the NNL Rules.
“That Malumfashi FC is hereby fined the sum of Five Hundred (N500,000) Naira only for refusing to continue with the match, in line with article 14.8 of the NNL Rules.
“That Malumfashi FC is hereby warned to desist from any act capable of bringing the game to disrepute.
“The Committee wishes to state that the above decisions are without prejudice to the right of appeal.”
