NFF fines Gateway FC N1m, orders match replayed against ABS

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has slammed a fine of N1m on Gateway FC of Abeokuta, for failure to honour the Nigeria National League fixture against Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club of Ilorin on October 30, 2016.

The NFF Disciplinary Committee’s findings as contained in a statement made available to Tribunesport stated that Gateway FC refused to honour the match on the grounds of complaints over intimidation, harassment, inadequate security and the delay by the home team in granting them access into the stadium and the field of play.

The committee also noted that the contingent of the away team, the Gateway FC, was deliberately delayed, by the home team from gaining access into the stadium and the field of play.

The statement further held that: “The conduct of the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Afolabi Afuape, within and around the technical area was unbecoming of an official of his position and capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”

Based on its findings, the committee ruled as follows: “That for failure to honour the fixture obligation, Gateway FC is in breach of Rule 4.2 (1) of the Rules of the NNL; Thus, Gateway FC shall pay the stipulated fine of N1, 000,000 (One Million Naira only) to the NNL on or before Tuesday November, 2016.

“That pursuant to the provisions of article 31bis of FIFA Disciplinary Code, due to the conduct and behaviour of ABS FC, the match shall be replayed on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the same time and venue as earlier scheduled, with a new set of match officials, as both clubs shall bear respective costs.”