NPFL sanctions Enyimba, Rangers for Match Day 35 misconduct

Scene from the Enugu Rangers versus Enyimba encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on June 9, 2024. Photo: BBC

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a series of hefty sanctions on Enyimba International FC and Rangers International FC following the clubs’ conduct during the Match Day 35 fixture held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, June 9.

Enyimba Sanctions

In a letter dated June 10 and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league outlined multiple breaches of its rules committed by Enyimba during the ill-fated encounter. Enyimba were notably found in violation of Rule C9, having failed to ensure the proper conduct of their players, officials, and supporters. They were also cited for breaching Rule B6.23 by disrupting the transmission of a live broadcast on StarTimes Beta Sports channel 244.

The highly-anticipated game between Enugu Rangers and reigning champions Enyimba descended into chaos as the game was abandoned deep into stoppage time due to a pitch invasion by fans protesting a penalty awarded to the home side. The match was still goalless when centre referee John Ojeleye awarded Enugu Rangers a penalty, prompting the away fans to invade the pitch in protest, leading to the abandonment of the game.

Fans of Enyimba invaded the pitch after the centre referee awarded a penalty to Rangers in stoppage time. The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu was filled beyond its 20,000 capacity when Rangers took on Enyimba in the NPFL title showdown on June 9, 2024.

The NPFL’s ruling, issued on Monday, noted that Enyimba contravened Rule B13.18 as its team and supporters threw objects and encroached onto the field of play. The club was deemed to have breached Rule C1.1 by refusing to continue the match in protest against the penalty, an act deemed “against the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, the league rules, and capable of bringing the game to disrepute.” Furthermore, Enyimba was found guilty of causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match, a violation of Rule B13.24.

Consequently, the NPFL has imposed a series of stringent sanctions on Enyimba, including:

– A fine of N1 million for failing to ensure the proper conduct of their team.

– A fine of N5 million for disrupting a live broadcast.

– A fine of N1 million for throwing objects onto the field of play.

– A fine of N1 million for encroachment onto the field of play.

– Forfeiture of three points and three goals in favour of their opponent for disrupting the match.

– A fine of N2 million for causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match.

With three games until the end of the NPFL season, Enugu Rangers now have a five-point lead over Enyimba and Remo Stars.

Additionally, Enyimba have 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.

Rangers Sanctions

The NPFL also handed down a N5 million fine to Rangers International for multiple infractions during the Match Day 35 fixture against Enyimba.

In a letter dated June 10, and issued to Rangers by NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Owumi, the league outlined several breaches of its rules committed by Rangers during the ill-fated encounter. Topping the list of offences, Rangers were found to have violated Rule B15.24, as the club over-ticketed the match, leading to overcrowding at the stadium. This transgression alone drew a fine of N2 million.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu was filled beyond capacity when Rangers took on Enyimba in the NPFL title showdown on June 9, 2024.

Furthermore, the club was cited for failing to provide adequate and effective security measures, contravening Rule B13.52. This lapse attracted a fine of N1 million. Rangers also fell foul of Rule B13.52.1, by failing to implement adequate and effective crowd control measures, resulting in an additional fine of N1 million. Additionally, the Flying Antelopes were deemed to have breached Rule B13.52 by failing to prevent unauthorised persons from gaining access to restricted areas, leading to a further fine of N1 million.

Consequently, the NPFL imposed a total fine of N5 million on Rangers for the various infractions. In addition to the financial penalties, the NPFL also ordered Rangers to “implement a more effective crowd control mechanism in subsequent home games.”

This was what the #OrientalDerby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba looked like once the floodlights were switched on at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The Cathedral was PACKED for the #NPFL cracker between first-placed Rangers and second-placed Enyimba. pic.twitter.com/TOoHWK3zGI

— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) June 9, 2024

Rangers have further been given 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, as per Rule E1 of the NPFL’s Frameworks and Rules.

These stringent measures reflect the NPFL’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding the integrity of the league. As the title race intensifies, the league’s actions send a strong message that misconduct will not be tolerated.