BREAKING: Enyimba FC Fined N10 Million Following Chaos at Oriental Derby

Emmanuel Oladele Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Enyimba FC has been fined a total of N10 million by the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) after the chaotic events that took place during the Oriental Derby against Rangers International FC over the weekend. The incident, which occurred on June 9, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, led to significant disruption following a controversial late penalty decision.

Here is the official statement:

FORM 16 SUMMARY JURISDICTION NOTICE

To: Enyimba Int'l FC

Date: 10th June 2024

Upon review of the findings of the official reports for the Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int'l FC vs. Enyimba Int'l, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on 9th June 2024, the Nigeria Premier Football League states its findings as follows:

1. You are in breach of Rule C9 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int'l FC vs. Enyimba Int'l FC, you failed to ensure the proper conduct of your players, officials and supporters.

2. You are in breach of Rule B6.23 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int'l FC vs. Enyimba Int'l FC, you disrupted the transmission of a live broadcast.

3. You are in breach of Rule B13.18 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int'l FC vs. Enyimba Int'l FC, your team and supporters threw objects and encroached onto the field of play.

4. You are in breach of Rule C1.1 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int'l FC vs. Enyimba Int'l FC, you refused to continue with the match in protest against the penalty awarded in favor of your opponents, an act that goes against the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and league rules, and is capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

5. You are in breach of Rule B13.24 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, in the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int'l FC vs. Enyimba Int'l FC, you caused the disruption and discontinuation of the match.

Consequently, the NPFL hereby imposes on you the following sanctions:

1. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for failing to ensure the proper conduct of your team.

2. A fine of Five Million Naira only (N5,000,000) for disrupting a live broadcast.

3. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for throwing of objects onto the field of play.

4. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for encroachment onto the field of play.

5. An order forfeiting 3 points and 3 goals in favor of your opponent for refusing to allow the penalty awarded in favor of your opponents to be taken, thereby disrupting the match and bringing the game to disrepute.

6. A fine of Two Million Naira only (N2,000,000) for causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match.

7. An order for Enyimba to identify and produce for further investigation and appropriate sanctions, other players and officials complicit in the disruptive conducts (particularly against the match officials) that led to a discontinuation of the game, in addition to the following identified players: Eze Ekwutoziam (Jersey No.6), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Jersey No.27), and Akanini Elijah (Jersey No.10).

In accordance with Rule C26, you are required, within 48 hours of the date of this notice, to either:

1. Submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions contained herein; or

2. Elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.

Any such election must be in writing addressed to the undersigned at the office of the NPFL. Should you submit to the summary jurisdiction and the prescribed sanctions, kindly note that the fines therein are to be paid within 7 working days.

Note that in accordance with Rule E1, where an appeal or election to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel fails or is found to have been frivolous, such party may be liable to such additional sanction(s) as may be deemed fit in the circumstances.

Davidson Owumi

COO, NPFL

In addition to the fines, Rangers International FC has been awarded three points and three goals. The NPFL's decision aims to address the disorder and ensure stricter adherence to league regulations.