The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe penalties on Enyimba International FC following the club’s conduct during the Match Day 35 fixture against Rangers International FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, June 9.
In a letter addressed to Enyimba on June 10, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi detailed multiple rule violations committed by the club during the contentious match. Enyimba was found in breach of Rule C9, which mandates the proper conduct of players, officials, and supporters. Additionally, the club was cited for violating Rule B6.23 by disrupting the transmission of a live broadcast.
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The highly-anticipated match between Enugu Rangers and reigning champions Enyimba ended in chaos when fans invaded the pitch deep into stoppage time, leading to the game’s abandonment.
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With the game still goalless in added time, centre referee John Ojeleye awarded the home side a penalty but the away fans were said to have invaded the pitch in protest, leaving the game abandoned.
Ruling its verdict on Monday, the letter noted that Enyimba contravened Rule B13.18 as its team and supporters threw objects and encroached onto the field of play.
In a particularly damning indictment, the club was deemed to have breached Rule C1.1 by refusing to continue the match in protest against a penalty awarded to their opponents, an act deemed “against the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, the league rules, and capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”
