When on Saturday Ifeanyi Ubah FC saw their free kick get ruled out, their reaction was to abandon the game for what they believed to be bad officiating. Now they shall face the music by paying fines up to about 9 million Naira as well as being hit with point deductions and more.
Following the incident that rocked the NPFL season-opener between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah, the League Management Company, LMC, has handed down fines and suspensions to those who played a part in what could be termed a show of shame. A total of nine million, one hundred and fifty thousand naira (9,150,000) has been handed as fine to FC Ifeanyi Ubah, for staging a walk-out; an act according to the league management body, that is capable of bringing the league to disrepute and causing serious security breach.
Aside the fine, three points and three goals accruing from the match has been awarded to Kano Pillars.
The centre referee who’s performance was below par was not left out either as the NFF Refs Committee has been asked to withdraw referee Folusho Ajayi from future NPFL games pending full investigation into her performance as she failed to meet the high standard set for the NPFL.
The team coach, Yaw Preko was reprimanded for failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure that players and other employees under his control accept and observe the authority and decisions of match officials and promote the highest standard on the field of play.
Igwe Jonathan of FC Ifeanyi Ubah has also been charged for misconduct, fined N500,000 and suspended from all NPFL match venues till the NFF Ethics Committee determines this matter. He was alleged to have persistently challenged the ref’s decisions, communicated on the phone improperly within the technical area & ordered FC Ifeanyi Ubah players to leave the pitch & discontinue the NPFL game.
They have not later than Wednesday, January 18, 2017 to accept the sanctions or elect to appeal.