The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has sanctioned some top-flight teams for various offenses after the conclusion of match day 17 of the ongoing 2023/24 season last weekend, www.aclsports.com reports.
In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice signed by the league’s Head of Operations, Davidson Owumi, Remo Stars, Kano Pillars, Sunshine Stars, and Gombe United are the latest teams in the NPFL to be sanctioned by the organizers.
Gombe United docked three points
Gombe United have been charged with breaching the league’s Rules and framework following their failure to provide effective security in the course of their Matchday 17 game vs Rivers Utd on Sunday at the Pantami Stadium. The match finished 1-1.
According to the statement from the league body, the failure of the home team to ensure adequate security led to disruption after the match, with supporters throwing objects onto the pitch & assaulting match officials after the game.
“Gombe Utd head coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru also incited the assault & harassment of match officials while the club officials & supporters failed to display sportsmanship by acting in a manner capable of bringing the game to disrepute,” read the statement.
In the judgment, the Savannah Scorpions have been fined N1 million for the repeated offence of failing to provide adequate security & another N1 million fine is imposed for the repeated offence of throwing objects onto the field of play. In addition, they have been docked 3 points & 3 goals from their accumulated haul following the assault of match officials.
For the role he played in the unfortunate event, Gombe United head coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru is suspended from the technical bench of the club for the next 3 matches. Meanwhile, Gombe Utd will also pay a fine of N500,000 compensation of N250,000 each to centre referee Sa’id Abdul’Aziz & assistant referee Cletus Adewebi.
Remo Stars fined, Sunshine Stars warned
Remo Stars have been charged for failing to provide adequate security to address security & safety concerns during their South West derby match against Sunshine Stars.
The league leaders have been fined N1 million for failing to provide adequate & effective security & have also been ordered to deploy a more effective security arrangement in their remaining home matches. On the other hand, Sunshine Stars have been charged for failing to ensure proper conduct of their players in the course of their game on Sunday.
The Owena Waves have been issued a warning against any similar recurrence of the misconduct in their remaining fixtures. Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Abdullateef Ishola is suspended for the next 3 matches for reacting violently to a ball boy during the game.
Kano Pillars to play behind closed doors
Kano Pillars have been charged for the misconduct of their fans leading to a delay in transmission of a live broadcast as well as their supporters throwing objects onto the pitch in protest against the decision of a match official.
The Kano club’s supporters acted in a manner capable of bringing the game to disrepute after failing to show the spirit of sportsmanship in the game vs Plateau Utd. A fine of N10 million has been imposed on Kano Pillars for delaying the smooth transmission of a live broadcast.
In other sanctions, Kano Pillars will pay a N1 million fine for repeated offence of throwing objects onto the pitch as well as another N1 million for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute. A N250,000 fine, being compensation, will be paid to assistant referee Sodiq Adejumo for injuries sustained.
Kano Pillars will also play their next home match(es) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano before the mid-season break behind closed doors.
All the clubs have 48 hours to appeal these sanctions.
