FC IfeanyiUbah accept LMC sanction, decline appeal

FC IfeanyiUbah have resolved not to appeal against the decision of the League Management Company (LMC) to sanction them for abandoning their match against Kano Pillars last Saturday.

In response to the sanctions, the club apologised to the LMC and Nigeria Football Federation for the unfortunate incident, and also regretted any inconvenience their actions might have caused and promised to abide by the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

“In total submission to the jurisdiction of sporting authorities in Nigeria and with total commitment to the growth of the Nigeria Professional Football League, we hereby accept the sanctions imposed on us as contained in your letter dated 16th January, 2017 and will not be lodging any form of appeal against the decision of the LMC. We pledge to abide by same and submit totally to the summary jurisdiction of the LMC.

“May we use this opportunity to once more tender our unreserved apology to the League Management Company and Nigeria Football Federation for the events that culminated in the abandonment of the match between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah on the 14th of January, 2017 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. As earlier stated, we have taken appropriate disciplinary actions against those responsible for the unfortunate event. We regret any inconvenience caused by our actions and commit to abide by the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League,” the statement read.

The LMC had imposed sanctions on the Nnewi soccer lords for acts that led to their match during the opening fixture against Kano Pillars on Saturday at the Sani Abacha stadium being called off and abandoned.

The club is to lose a total of eight points in addition to the forfeiture of three points and three goals from the match against Pillars, and fines totaling N9, 150, 000.00.

An official of the club, Jonathan Igwe and the Coach, Yaw Preko were also served sanction notices just as the LMC also made recommendation for review of the performance of the match officials by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“Consequently, the LMC intends to exercise its summary jurisdiction, taking into cognisance your public apology, forfeiture of three points and three goals accruing from the match, which shall be credited to its opponent”.

“Forfeit three (3) points from the points accruable to the Club, the execution of which shall be suspended for a probationary period of the remainder of the season”.

“Pay a fine of Three Million Naira only (N3, 000,000.00)”.

FC IfeanyiUbah is to also pay a fine of N5million and will have two points deducted from points accruing to it but which is suspended for a probationary period of the rest of the season.