By Amaechi gbo

The Nigeria Football Federation has sanctioned Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL side, Bayelsa Queens N600, 000 for violating Covid-19 protocols and encroachment during their match against Edo Queens

The Bayelsa Queens were imposed a sanction of N300, 000 for violation of Covid-19 protocols as well as another N300, 000 for encroachment, respectively.

In the match which was played on 17^th February, 2021, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, the NFF Disciplinary Committee ruled that from the evidence before it, there was encroachment on the field of play by the Fans of Bayelsa Queens FC at the 79th minutes, in breach of Art. 16 (1), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Rules, 2020.

That although there was encroachment, the match was not discontinued, as play resumed till full time.

The committee further noted that the alleged offences of harassment and assault on the match officials and Away Team cannot be established, as they were not contained in the Referee’s and Match Commissioner’s reports.

The committee added that as a result of the encroachment, Covid-19 protocol was breached in the process and based on the findings, the Committee states as follows;

“That Bayelsa Queens Fc is found guilty of encroachment and is hereby fined the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) only.

“That Bayelsa Queens FC is guilty of breach of Covid- 19 protocols and is hereby fined the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) only.

“That the Nigeria Women Football League is hereby directed to write a circular to all the Clubs under its supervision, stating in clear terms what their position is with regard to Covid – 19 Protocols, whether Fans are to be allowed or not during matches and if they are allowed, the minimum number of persons to be allowed must be clearly stated to forestall breach of Covid 19 Protocols in future.”

The statement which was released Friday added that the decisions are without prejudice to the right of appeal.