El-Kanemi risk points deduction as LMC fines Bayelsa United

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri has become the third club to be issued sixty days ultimatum to pay all amounts due its players and officials or risk being thrown out of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by the League Management Company (LMC)

The warning issued through a letter by the Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar is one the three decisions announced by the league body in a sweeping enforcement of regulations on Wednesday.

Last week, the LMC drew the lines for FC Taraba and placed the club on a 60 days probation to pay all outstanding salaries to the players and officials failing which it will be deducted six points from already accumulated points this season. Should the defaulting club fail to comply after another 30 days, it will have a further three points deducted.

Dolphins were the first club to receive such notice after the LMC received and investigated a formal complaint from one of the players. The Port Harcourt club however complied within two weeks. The sanction is one of the safety nets put in place by the LMC to check indebtedness to players by clubs. It has recently organized an executive training program for club chairmen on utilizing the commercial potentials of clubs to create additional revenue streams.

Other decisions include the fining of Bayelsa United for not providing adequate security during their Match Day 20 fixture against Akwa United and a warning to Plateau State FA Chairman for unsporting conduct.

In an earlier letter to El-Kanemi Warriors Chairman in its investigative process, the LMC said it is in receipt of reports that the club has not been meeting obligations to players and other employees and added that “pursuant to article A8 of the Rules and Framework of the NPFL, we request a full briefing on all financial situation at your club including the payment of salaries and all entitlements to players and officials before close of business”. Following the unsatisfactory response from the club, the 60 days warning was issued.

Bayelsa United were charged on two counts of not ensuring adequate security thereby enabling unauthorised persons to gain access to restricted areas including the dressing rooms during their match against Akwa United. On the second count, the club was cited for harassment and intimidation in violation of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. They were thus fines N500, 000 and N200, 000 respectively with an option to submit to the sanctions within 48 hours or appear before a commission.

Arising from the security breach at the Oghara Township Stadium during the Bayelsa United versus Akwa United fixture, the Delta State Football Association were issued a last warning for repeatedly not providing adequate security at match venues within its jurisdiction. The LMC noted that the State FA had similarly been cautioned over a previous incident and warned that if the situation did not change, it will be forced to review the hosting of Glo Premier League games in venues under the Delta State FA jurisdiction. The LMC said it will additional consider the option of reporting the state FA to relevant authorities.

In a similar caution, the Plateau State FA Chairman was rebuked for unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the league to disrepute following acts of harassment and intimidation during the Match Day 20 fixture between Giwa FC and Kwara United in Jos. He was charged to desist from such conduct in the future.