Tacit approval for match-fixing in the NPL?

This decision has not gone down well with most stakeholders, especially the clubs who feel it is a leeway for dubious officials to fix-matches. Such critics argue that in the case of who pays the piper dictates the tune, the clubs would naturally attract the sympathy of the referees. It will be recalled that last […]

This decision has not gone down well with most stakeholders, especially the clubs who feel it is a leeway for dubious officials to fix-matches. Such critics argue that in the case of who pays the piper dictates the tune, the clubs would naturally attract the sympathy of the referees.

It will be recalled that last Wednesday, the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF, after several months of investigation into the match fixing case ruled that both Dolphins and Sunshine should pay a fine of N10m and N20m each. In addition, Coach Stanley Eguma of Dolphins and two club officials as well as the two referees at the centre of the case were banned for five years each.

The ruling has been vehemently criticized by those who believe the right decisions were not taken. Already Dolphins have said they will appeal the ruling based on the fact that the Articles which the committee cited while dishing out the punitive measures were not followed to the letter.

The Port-Harcourt club argued that if really a case of match-fixing was established as shown by the action of the committee, then deduction of points would have been added to the list of the corrective measures taken.

The implication is that since points have not been deducted, no club in the saga will be going on relegation just as none of them would miss the opportunity to play on the continent. Secondly, there is the possibility that the two clubs may appeal the ruling and get favourable judgment. If that happens, other clubs would receive the impetus to indulge in the same sharp practices knowing full well that even when caught, they would be given a slap on the wrist.

As if the ruling of the NFF committee is not enough to engender match fixing, the body has boldly asked clubs to foot the bills of match officials for the next four games. This is coming on the heels of N12m fraud uncovered in the NPL. The general conclusion is that if clubs are given the additional burden of paying match officials indemnities, match-fixing would have been ‘legalized’ by the NPL itself.

The views of some of the club officials clearly capture the apprehension among them. Team Manager of Abubakar Bukola Sarki, ABS, FC, Mr. Alloy Chukwuma told Feverpitch that the decision of the NPL is unhealthy for the league.

“It is not a welcome development. This is taking the league 10 years back. For the past five years, the NPL has been paying match indemnities and all of a sudden, we are reversing to the old practice which is not acceptable.

“I expect the NPL to call a congress where we would sit and discuss. We need to know what brought about such a decision. This is a decision that would have adverse effect on the league. It is an open call for match fixing because he who pays the piper dictates the tune”, he stated.

General Manager of Kano Pillars FC, Alhaji Abba Galadima said apart from encouraging match fixing, it would be additional burden on the clubs which are struggling to meet up with their financial responsibilities.

“When you ask home teams to pay match indemnities, you are indirectly exposing visiting clubs to intimidation and biased officiating. This will not augur well for the league as the referees would always do the bidding of the home clubs.

“In addition, it will be additional burden on the clubs which have meager resources to manage. This decision should be reconsidered by the NPL”.

However, when contacted, the acting Executive Secretary of the NPL, Mr. Tunji Babalola said the position of the clubs is well understood but if the league is to be kept alive, they must make the sacrifice.

He maintained that the clubs are the real owners of the league and should not allow it to come to a sudden halt. Babalola said the burden would be taken off the shoulders of the clubs immediately normalcy returns in the NPL.

“Asking the clubs to pay match indemnities is not a crime. The clubs are shareholders. They own the league and must not allow it to die. For us to ask for such assistance, they should know that there is a reason.

“If the league comes to a sudden stop, it will not be good for anyone. We hope to return to the more acceptable practice as soon as we are through with the sponsorship hitches. This will not take long. I am therefore calling on the clubs to understand with us”, he pleaded.