The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has thrown out Enyimba’s appeal against the three points forfeited to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions-designate Rangers International.
Recall that Enyimba International of Aba abandoned their Match-day 35 in Enugu against Rangers FC following a late penalty awarded to the host.
The Oriental derby sold out as over 35,000 fans crammed into the 20,000-capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to witness which of the two teams would pick the three points, but a late penalty awarded to Rangers in the extra time led to Enyimba’s fans trooping into the main-bowl to hold up proceedings and the visitors failed to continue the match.
The NFF also upheld the fine of N2m imposed on the People’s Elephant by the NPFL.
The decision was contained in a memo sent to the former NPFL champions.
“That the Committee adopts the Summary Jurisdiction (Form 16) contained in paragraph 1 and upholds the One Million Naira (N1,000,000) fine against Enyimba FC for failure to ensure the proper conduct of their players, officials and supporters.
“That the Committee disagrees with the decision in Paragraph 2 of the Summary Jurisdiction Notice form 16 that the live broadcast transmission was disrupted by Enyimba FC for want of evidence. Therefore, the Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) fine imposed is hereby set aside.
“That the Committee disagrees with the decision in Paragraph 3 of the Summary Jurisdiction Notice Form 16 that the supporters of Enyimba FC threw objects into the field of play for lack of evidence. The one million naira (N1,000,000) fine is hereby set aside.
“That the Committee agrees with the decision of the Summary Jurisdiction Notice Form 16 contained in paragraph 4 against Enyimba FC for refusal to continue with the match in protest against the award of the penalty. The 3 points and 3 goals awarded in favour of Rangers International FC is hereby upheld in accordance with Article 13.26 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
“The Committee upholds the fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) imposed on Enyimba FC for encroachment onto the field of play in accordance with Art.13.19 NPFL Framework and Rules.
“That the Committee agrees with the fine of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) fine imposed on Enyimba FC for the disruption and discontinuation of the match in accordance with Article 13.24 of NPFL Framework and Rules.
“That the above decisions are without prejudice to the right of appeal,” it stated.
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