The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has taken decisive action against Enyimba International FC, levying a series of substantial penalties in response to the club’s conduct during the contentious Match Day 35 fixture against Rangers International FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
In a formal communication dated June 10th, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, delivered a stern rebuke to Enyimba, outlining numerous violations of league regulations observed during the tumultuous encounter. The letter detailed how Enyimba’s actions fell afoul of Rule C9, which mandates clubs to ensure the proper conduct of players, officials, and supporters. Additionally, the club was cited for breaching Rule B6.23 by disrupting the live broadcast transmission of the match.
The backdrop to this disciplinary action was the dramatic scenes witnessed in Enugu during the highly anticipated match between Enugu Rangers and reigning champions Enyimba. With tensions running high, the game reached a boiling point deep into stoppage time when an invasion by fans led to the game’s abandonment.
These sanctions signal the NPFL’s commitment to upholding standards of conduct and integrity within the league. By holding Enyimba accountable for their actions, the league authorities aim to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that clubs must adhere to the rules and regulations governing the sport.
As the match entered added time with the score still level, center referee John Ojeleye made a crucial decision to award a penalty to the home team. However, reports emerged that away supporters stormed the pitch in protest, prompting the match to be abandoned.
In its ruling delivered on Monday, the letter highlighted that Enyimba violated Rule B13.18 as both its team members and supporters threw objects and encroached onto the field of play. Additionally, the club was sharply criticized for contravening Rule C1.1 by refusing to resume the match in protest against a penalty awarded to their opponents. This action was deemed to be “against the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, the league rules, and capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”
Moreover, Enyimba was found culpable for causing the disruption and eventual discontinuation of the match, a clear violation of Rule B13.24.
Consequently, the NPFL has imposed a series of stringent sanctions on the club including a fine of N1m for failing to ensure the proper conduct of their team; A fine of N5m for disrupting a live broadcast; A fine of N1m for throwing objects onto the field of play; A fine of N1m for encroachment onto the field of play; An order forfeiting three points and three goals in favour of their opponent for refusing to allow the penalty awarded against them to be taken, thereby disrupting the match and bringing the game into disrepute; A fine of N2m for causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match.
Additionally, Enyimba has been ordered to identify and produce for further investigation and appropriate sanctions other players and officials complicit in the disruptive conduct that led to the discontinuation of the game. The identified players include Eze Ekwutoziam (Jersey No. 6), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Jersey No. 27), and Akanni Elijah (Jersey No. 10).
The NPFL has given Enyimba 48 hours to either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the prescribed sanctions or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel. Failure to comply or a frivolous appeal may result in additional sanctions.
