The Nationwide League One (NLO) has lifted the suspension previously imposed on the Sporting Director of La Planet FC, Mallick Olasunkanmi, following a successful appeal by the Ilorin-based club.
In an official letter dated May 5, 2025, and addressed to the Kwara State Football Association and the club’s chairman, the league body confirmed that the sanction on Mr. Olasunkanmi has been reversed, while also issuing a warning to him to exercise emotional restraint during matches.
“The NLO secretariat hereby pardons Mr. Abdulmalik Olasunkanmi of La Planet FC and the suspension is hereby lifted. He is hereby warned to control his emotions during the game,” the letter stated.
Olasunkanmi was initially suspended on May 4, 2025, over allegations of harassing match and league officials during an NLO Matchday Five fixture against Dohz FA. The team manager, Moshood Olalekan, was also handed a three-match ban following a red card in the same game, while the club was fined N100,000.
In its appeal, La Planet FC denied any wrongdoing by its officials, arguing that the Sporting Director only lodged a legitimate complaint over officiating concerns. The club also emphasized that no altercation or harassment occurred, and submitted that video evidence, if reviewed, would confirm this.
The club’s appeal further highlighted that Olasunkanmi was physically attacked by supporters of the opposing team following the match’s abrupt end but chose not to retaliate, maintaining professionalism throughout.
In a show of fairness, the NLO secretariat not only lifted the suspension on Olasunkanmi but also clarified that the red card sanction issued to Moshood Olalekan remains limited to standard game regulations, with no additional disciplinary actions.
Reacting to the decision, Olasunkanmi expressed gratitude to the league body, saying, “I want to sincerely commend the NLO for its impartiality and equity. This development has not only absolved La Planet FC from any wrongdoing but has also shown that its officials are law-abiding.”
