Nigeria League Match-fixing: Officials, Players Banned For 2 Years, Clubs Fined One Million Naira
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By Amaechi Agbo
Players and officials of Nigeria Division 3 League side, Workers FC have been banned for two years from football related activities following their involvement in match fixing in the Nationwide League One, NLO match against Ambassadors FC on Saturday in Kaduna
ABU Workers FC and Ambassadors FC both of Kaduna State, were found to have manipulated their Nationwide League One, NLO match on Saturday, May 13, 2023
ABU Workers thrashed Ambassadors FC 8-0 in the match but following shortly, the NLO Secretariat placed a two-year ban on the ABU Workers FC officials and players on the matchday list while both clubs were fined five hundred thousand naira (₦500, 000) each for their inglorious actions.
The NLO in a statement on the ruling noted that despite efforts by the match coordinator to stop the game when it was obvious that the it has been compromised, proved futile as both officials and supporters of ABU Workers FC thwarted his efforts.
The NLO in its decision noted that the allegation of match fixing against the two clubs was clearly evidence during the match under review
The match officials stated in clear term the evidence of match fixing exhibited by the two clubs.
The final result of the match (8-0) in favour of ABU Workers FC clearly raised a red flag of match compromise
ABU Workers FC players in action on Saturday
The NLO coordinator’s frantic efforts to stop the shenanigans was rebuffed by supporters and officials of ABU Workers FC and Ambassadors FC.
Consequently, “In order to preserve the integrity of the beautiful game of football in Nigeria and to encourage sponsors, the relevant aspect of the regulations shall be applied fully.
“The result of the match between ABU Workers FC and Ambassadors FC played in Zaria on Saturday) is hereby cancelled, ABU Workers FC Vs Ambassadors FC
“ABU Workers FC Kaduna is hereby finedbthebsum.of fiver hundred thousand naira only (₦500, 000.00)
“Ambassadors FC is hereby fined the sum of five hundred thousand naira only (₦500, 000)
“All officials of ABU Workers FC are hereby banned for two years
“All players of ABU Workers FC and Ambassadors FC on the match list are hereby banned for two years
“The above decision is taken in line with the guiding rules and regulations of Nationwide League One (Article 4.17),” the statement read.
