Warri Wolves and FC IfeanyiUbah were Thursday handed varying fines and sanctions by the League Management Company (LMC) in a Summary Jurisdiction notice issued the two clubs for breaches of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Rules during their respective Match Days 25 and 26 fixtures.
FC IfeanyiUbah was cited for contravening Rules B8.21 and B13.52 of the Framework and Rules for their failure to provide adequate security for match officials when the Referee was assaulted at his hotel room after the match against Sunshine Stars on Match Day 25. The Referee also lost some of his personal belongings in the process.
The LMC decision however took cognizance of the prompt action of officials of FC IfeanyiUbah in compensating the Referee for the lost items and fined the club N750, 000. The club has 48 hours within which to submit in writing to the summary jurisdiction or elect for a hearing.
Warri Wolves were cited for multiple breaches which include Rules B13.18, B8.21, B13.52 and C1.
Under Rules B.13.18, Warri Wolves was charged for the encroachment on to the field of play by their Stewards and Supporters immediately after the match and fined N1, 000, 000. The club was further fined N750, 000 for breach of Rules B8.21 and B13.52.
Warri Wolves was cited for breach of Rules C1 in that the club stewards and supporters severally assaulted the match officials after the match against Wikki Tourists on Match Day 26 including at their hotel rooms thereby failing to show sportsmanship and conducting themselves in a manner capable of bringing the league to disrepute.
Consequently, the club was fined N1, 250, 000 representing N250, 000 each as compensation for the assault on the Match Commissioner and the four Referees. The club was also directed to pay another N250, 000 being the value of the items lost by the match officials in the course of the assault.
The next three home games of Warri Wolves have been ordered to be played behind closed doors with the execution of the last two suspended subject to good conduct for the remainder of the season.
The LMC also noted that in consideration of the gravity of the offence, including the assault perpetrated by the Stewards of the club and several incidents of assault, including at the hotel rooms, a suspended two-points deduction has been ordered on Wolves subject to good conduct for the remainder of the season. Warri Wolves have 48 hours within which to submit in writing to the summary jurisdiction or elect for a hearing.
