NFF orders replay of FCIU vs MFM, sanctions Remo Stars

THE Nigeria Football Federation, through its disciplinary committee, has issued rulings in the case involving FC IfeanyiUbah and MFM in the Nigeria Professional Football League, and the dispute between Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance in the second-tier Nigeria National League.

In the first case, FC IfeanyiUbah missed the league fixture against MFM scheduled for Enugu, claiming that they were not aware that the game was to be held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, which is not their home ground.

The League Management Company declared a walkover and awarded three points and three goals to MFM. IfeanyiUbah however appealed to the NFF and the decision has been overturned.

In Friday’s ruling, the NFF ordered the match to be played at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on a date to be determined by the LMC.

FC IfeanyiUbah will have to pay the match officials’ indemnities and the cost of organising the aborted fixture to be determined by LMC.

“FC IfeanyiUbah is hereby ordered to pay the financial expenses of MFM FC in the sum of two million (N2,000,000.00) naira only, before the date of the rescheduled match,” the NFF added.

In the case involving Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance in which players of the visiting club were assaulted by the home fans in Remo, the NFF fined the hosts.

“Pursuant to Rule 16.2, NNL Rules, Remo Stars FC is by hereby fined the sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000.00) only, for breaches of COVID-19 protocol and the discontinuation of the match due to encroachment by their supporters, who were present at the stadium in breach of COVID-19 Protocol,” the NFF stated.

The match was declared a complete fixture and the result stays at 0-0 that it was at the time of the disturbance.

The disciplinary committee also awarded N400,000 as general damages against Remo Stars to be paid to Bendel Insurance.

“Remo Stars are hereby directed to make a written undertaking to the NNL guaranteeing safety of players and officials of visiting teams during and after matches and any breach of such undertaking shall lead to banning Remo Stars FC from further hosting NNL matches in their home venue,” the NFF declared.