Following a security breach at the conclusion of their NPFL MatchDay 17 match against Remo Stars at the New Jos Township Stadium on Sunday, May 7, Plateau United was penalized three points and three goals for physically assaulting match officials.
The Jos Club was also required to pay 2.5m as punishment for various violations resulting from the incident, in addition to losing the points and goals they had already accrued.
Separately, Mr. Bashir Badawi, a representative of Kwara United, has been invited to appear before an investigative panel and is anticipated to present evidence to support his claims that the Interim Management Committee (IMC) lacks integrity.
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According to Rule C15, Mr. Badawi must show up for the hearing on May 18 at the IMC office in Abuja.
The provisions of Rule C1.1, which mandate that “Club Officials act in the best interest of the game at all times, and not act (whether through words, conducts, or behavior) in a manner capable of bringing the game into disrepute,” were referred to in the letter of invitation to the Kwara United General Manager.
In addition, Rule C9 was mentioned, which mandates that “clubs are required to control their Players and Officials and ensure their proper conduct at all times.” The insulting remarks were made by Mr. Badawi in a WhatsApp group.
Plateau United was accused of breaking Rules B13.18, B13.52, and C11 in the Summary Jurisdiction notice. These violations included failure to provide adequate and effective matchday security, assault on match officials during the MatchDay 17 match, and encroachment on the field of play by fans to harass match officials.
Plateau United was fined $1 million for failing to provide proper matchday security, and another $500,000 for failing to prevent unauthorized entry to restricted areas.
Plateau United had three points and three goals taken away for assaulting match officials, and the club was ordered to pay a total of $1 million ($1 million at a rate of $250,000 per official) in compensation to the four match officials.
Also, until sufficient and verifiable security measures, including written promises to the NPFL to prosecute anyone discovered to be causing disturbances during their home matches, are put in place, the New Jos Township Stadium has been ordered closed to Plateau United supporters.
The club has also been ordered to track down and bring charges against the supporters who shoved the match officials.
Amadi Promise, the center referee, Sani Mohammed, Assistant Referee 1, Abdulganiyu Abdulmalik, Assistant Referee 2, and Abubakar Zubairu, Reserve Referee, are the assaulted match officials.
According to Rule C26, the club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to chose to submit to the Summary Jurisdiction and punishment or to show up at a Disciplinary hearing. Within seven business days, the penalty must be paid.