Enyimba Fined N10 Million By NPFL: Here Are Six Violations They Committed
Enyimba International FC has been hit with a series of fines totaling N10 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a highly contentious incident during their Match Day 35 fixture against Rangers International FC on Sunday, June 9, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Drama unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu as the highly anticipated match between Enugu Rangers and reigning champions Enyimba was abruptly abandoned in stoppage time due to a pitch invasion by fans.
Following the incident, on Monday June 10, in a letter to Enyimba, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, outlined multiple breaches of its rules that were committed by Enyimba.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of why Enyimba was fined and the specific violations they committed:
Failure to Ensure Proper Conduct (N1m)
For violation of Rule C9 which entails failing to ensure the proper conduct of their players, officials, and supporters, leading to unsporting behavior during the match, Enyimba was filed N1 million
Disruption of Live Broadcast (N5m)
A significant portion of the fine, N5 million, was imposed because the club disrupted the transmission of the live broadcast of the game. This is said to be in violation of rule B6.23
Throwing Objects onto the Field (N1m)
During the match, Enyimba’s also threw objects onto the field of play. This action also violated league rule B13.18 regarding fan and team conduct.
Encroachment onto the Field of Play (N1m)
Following a late penalty decision against them, supporters of Enyimba invaded the pitch. Such encroachment, which is a violations B13.18 of rule is a serious breach of matchday regulations and compromises the safety and security of everyone involved.
Refusal to Continue the Match (Forfeiture of Points and Goals)
Enyimba refused to continue the match in protest of a penalty awarded to their opponents. This refusal is against the principles of fair play and sportsmanship and disrupts the integrity of the competition. Consequently, the NPFL awarded three points and three goals to Rangers International FC as a penalty for this conduct.
Causing Disruption and Discontinuation of the Match (N2m)
The actions of Enyimba and their supporters caused the match to be abandoned. This severe breach resulted in an additional fine of N2 million, emphasising the league’s stance against such disruptive behavior.
Besides the financial penalties, Enyimba has been ordered to identify and produce for further investigation and appropriate sanctions the players and officials complicit in the disruptive conduct. Specific players named 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 accept the summary jurisdiction and the prescribed sanctions or choose to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel. Failure to comply with these directives or submitting a frivolous appeal may result in additional sanctions against the club.
