In response to Enyimba International FC's behaviour during Day 35 match against Rangers International FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday 9th June, the Nigeria Premier Football League has taken strong action against the club and imposed some severe sanctions.
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 behaviour 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 eagerly awaited match between Enugu Rangers and the defending champions Enyimba, when fans' invasion forced the game to be abandoned well into stoppage time.
Centre 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.
As a result, the club faces severe penalties from the NPFL, which includes N1 million punishment for neglecting to ensure the appropriate behaviour of their players; N5 million fine for interfering with a live broadcast; a N1 million fine for hurling things onto the playing pitch; a N1 million fine for entering the playing field; An order forfeiting three points and three goals to their opponent for refusing to allow the penalty issued against them to be taken, so disturbing the match and putting the game into shame; A fine of N2 million was imposed for disrupting and discontinuing the match.
Enyimba has also been instructed to identify and present other players and officials involved in the disruptive behaviour that resulted in the game's cancellation. 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 summary jurisdiction and the appropriate consequences, or to be heard by a disciplinary panel. Additional sanctions may be imposed if compliance is not met or if an appeal is filed frivolously.
