The Interim Management Committee, organizers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have slammed Wikki Tourists with a three-point deduction following the unruly behaviour of their fans in the 2-1 home loss to Bayelsa United on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
By virtue of this ruling, the Elephants became the third club in the 2022/23 season to receive a point deduction after Bayelsa United and Remo Stars.
In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice signed by Davidson Owumi, the Head of Operations of the IMC, the club faced a monetary fine totaling ₦2.5m, three points and three goals deduction, and closure of their home stadium to fans for the rest of the season.
“This followed a review of the findings of the official reports for the MatchDay 13 fixture between Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United on April 9, 2023. Wikki Tourists was found in breach of Rule B8.21, Rule C11, B13.52 and B13.18 of the NPFL Framework and Rules,” reads the IMC statement.
“For breach of Rule B8.21, the club was fined ₦1m for failing to provide adequate security for the match officials before, during, and after the match which resulted in the assault of the match officials.
“In a second charge for breach of Rule C11, Wikki Tourists was ordered to be deducted three points and three goals for assault on Match Officials by the fans.
“In the third finding for breach of Rule B13.18, the club was fined ₦500,000 for failure to provide adequate security and implement effective crowd control resulting in the fans throwing objects on to the field of play, targeting Match Officials and disrupting play. Wikki was also ordered to make a compensatory payment totaling ₦1m to the four Match Officials at ₦250,000 for each.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi side have the right to appeal the sanction(s) within the next 48 hours.
This disciplinary action comes barely 24 hours after the head coach of the side Abdullahi Adamu resigned from the club. With these sanctions, the club are now placed bottom of Group B with just nine points and five games left to be played.
