By Amaechi Agbo

Seven-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL champions, Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu have been fined a total sum of five million naira (₦5, 000, 000.00) following disruption that occurred during the matchday 35 match against Enyimba FC in Enugu.

The match which held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, was abandoned on the dot of 95 minute after a penalty was awarded to Rangers. Enyimba FC players, infuriated by the decision, walked out of the pitch.

The 25, 000 Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was filled to capacity with fans also standing along the track area.

Following a review of the incidence by the league organisers, Rangers have been found culpable for inability to adhere strictly to the rules governing the game.

The 2016 champions and current leaders of the league were fined for overticketing, insufficient security, lack of crowd control measures and failure to block individuals from gaining access to restricted areas.

Subsequently, Rangers was fined ₦2 000 000 for overticketing and a million naira each for the other three offences.

Below is the findings and decisions of the NPFL management:

SUMMARY JURISDICTION NOTICE To: Rangers Int’l FC NPFL

Date: 10″ 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 FC, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on 9″ June 2024, the Nigeria Premier Football League states its findings as follows:

1. You are in breach of Rule B15.24 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 over-ticketed which led to the overcrowding at the Stadium.
2. You are in breach of Rule B13.5S2 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 9 June 2024, 1n the course of Match Day 35 Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs. Enyimba Int’l FC, you failed to provide adequate and effective security.
3. You are in breach of Rule B13.52.1 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 failed to implement adequate and effective crowd control measures
4. You are in breach of Rule B13.52 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 prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to restricted areas.

Consequently, the NPFL hereby impose on you the following sanctions: 1. A fine of Two Million Naira only (N2,000,000) for over-ticketing.

2. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for failing to provide adequate security.
3. A fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000) for failure to implement effective crowd control measures.
4. A fine of One Millon Narra only (N1,000,000) for failure to prevent unauthorized persons from gainingaccess to restricted areas.
5. An order to implement a more effective crowd control mechanism in subsequent home games

tn 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 deeme fit in the circumstances.