The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee’s decision to overturn a 3-point deduction imposed on Bendel Insurance FC has sparked widespread criticism, with calls for an appeal to the ruling.
Legal practitioner Barrister Ibrahim T. Abiola, popularly known as Liberty, speaking with Pristinegist Media, expressed strong disapproval of the decision, labeling it a misinterpretation of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rules.
The deduction was initially enforced after Bendel Insurance FC was found guilty of multiple infractions, including failure to ensure adequate security, improper conduct of supporters, and an assault on match officials. The NPFL fined the club N1 million for each breach and ordered the payment of N250,000 to each assaulted official. However, the NFF Disciplinary Committee overturned the point deduction, citing that the assault was “not grievous enough” to warrant such a penalty.
Barrister Abiola criticized this interpretation, highlighting Rule C11 of the NPFL framework, which he claims mandates a 3-point deduction for any physical aggression against a match official, regardless of its severity. “The rule is clear. The presence of any form of assault triggers the automatic deduction,” Abiola said.
He warned that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent in Nigerian football. “With this decision, any club facing a similar penalty could argue that the attack wasn’t ‘grievous,’ effectively negotiating their punishment. This weakens efforts to prevent violence and protect match officials.”
The legal expert also raised concerns about the potential impact on referee safety and match officiating standards. “Match officials already face difficult conditions in Nigerian football. Allowing clubs to escape full punishment for assault sends a dangerous message, potentially discouraging competent referees from taking charge of critical league games,” Abiola added.
Abiola urged the NPFL to appeal the decision or take steps to close any loopholes that may be exploited in future cases. “Football thrives on discipline and integrity. If the NPFL rules are bent for specific clubs or interests, the league’s credibility will suffer,” he said.
The ruling has ignited debate within the football community, with many calling on the NFF Disciplinary Committee to reconsider its stance. “The NPFL’s authority has been undermined by this decision, and it raises questions about the consistency of rule enforcement moving forward,” Abiola concluded.
As the controversy continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see if the NPFL will challenge the decision and uphold its disciplinary framework in Nigerian football.
