NPFL fines Enyimba N10 million for calling off the game

After Enyimba International FC’s behavior during Sunday, June 9’s Match Day 35 match against Rangers International FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, the Nigeria Premier Football League took harsh measures against the team.

The NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, sent a letter to Enyimba on June 10th, in which the league detailed the rule violations that Enyimba had committed during the unfortunate meeting.

Notably, Enyimba was judged to have violated Rule C9 for neglecting to guarantee the appropriate behavior of its officials, players, and supporters. The club was also cited for violating Rule B6.23, which deals with interfering with a live broadcast’s transmission.

Drama unfolded in Enugu on Sunday during the much awaited match between Enugu Rangers and the reigning champions Enyimba. A fan invasion forced the game to be abandoned well into stoppage time.

Center referee John Ojeleye gave the home team a penalty when the game was still scoreless in extra time. However, the opposition supporters reportedly stormed the field in protest, calling the game off.

The letter, which rendered its decision on Monday, stated that Enyimba had broken Rule B13.18 by having members of the team and spectators hurl objects and intrude onto the playing field. The club was found to have broken Rule C1.1 in a particularly harsh indictment when they refused to play on after their opponents were given a penalty. This was considered to be an act that went “against the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, the league rules, and capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”

Enyimba was also found guilty of violating Rule B13.24 by instigating the match’s disruption and termination.

As a result, the club faces a number of severe penalties from the NPFL, which include a N1 million punishment for neglecting to ensure the appropriate behavior of their players; A N1 million fine for hurling things onto the playing field; A N5 million fine for interfering with a live broadcast; a N1 million fine for entering the playing field; an order granting their opponent three goals and three points back for their refusal to accept the penalty that was given to them, which caused the game to be disrupted and tarnished; a N2 million punishment for interfering with the game and ending it early.

Enyimba has also been directed to locate and produce those players and officials involved in the disruptive behavior that resulted in the game’s cancellation for additional scrutiny and suitable penalties. The players who have been identified are Akanni Elijah (Jersey No. 10), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Jersey No. 27), and Eze Ekwutoziam (Jersey No. 6).

Enyimba has been given 48 hours by the NPFL to choose to be handled by a disciplinary panel or to submit to summary jurisdiction and the recommended sanctions. Further penalties could be imposed for noncompliance or a baseless appeal.