AITEO CUP: Kogi United banned for two years

.Match awarded to Rangers  

By Taofeek Babalola

Kogi United have been banned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from participating in the next two (2018 and 2019) editions of the Federation Cup (AITEO CUP), Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports.

The decision of the AITEO CUP Committee was decided on Thursday following the investigation into the match held at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, on Wednesday, 16th August, 2017 between Kogi United Football Club and Rangers International Football Club.

The match was abandoned in the second half when a group of persons invaded the field of play and attacked the Referee, with the scores at 2-1 in favour of Kogi United (the home team), the Referee had just awarded a penalty to Rangers International.

The Committee findings revealed that Kogi United encroached the field and disrupted the match, in breach of Rule 3.11.1 of the Competition; Kogi United forfeited the match to Rangers International and consequently eliminated from the Competition. 

1.    Facts

1.1.       The match was abandoned in the second half, when a group of persons invaded the field of play and attacked the Referee.

1.2.       At that time, with the scores at 2-1 in favour of Kogi Unted (the home team), the Referee had just awarded a penalty to Rangers International.

2.    Findings

2.1.       After 75 minutes of play, Kogi United was leading 2-1 when a penalty was awarded to Rangers International.

2.2.       The Chairman of Kogi United, Abdul Sule, rushed to the table of the Fourth Official and banged on it twice, protesting against the penalty decision.

2.3.       Instigated by the action of the club Chairman, the leader of the Kogi United Supporters’ Club, identified as Maikudi Kanin-Bala, led a group of Kogi United supporters, who invaded the field of play, chased the Referee, assaulted and attacked him, before he was eventually rescued and taken to a nearby police station.

2.4.       Consequently, the match was abandoned.

3.    Decision

3.1.       For encroachment and the consequential disruption of the match, in breach of Rule 3.11.1 of the Competition:

3.1.1.     Kogi United shall forfeit the match to Rangers International and is consequently eliminated from the Competition;

3.1.2.     Furthermore, Kogi United is banned from the next two (2018 and 2019) editions of the Competition;

3.1.3.     Kogi United shall pay a fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000.00);

3.1.4.     In addition, Kogi United shall pay the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Naira only (N250,000.00) as compensation to the Referee for assault; as well as the costs of any certified medical bills.

3.2.       For the failure to provide and or ensure adequate security, in breach of Rule 3.2.1 of the Competition Rules:

3.2.1.     The Kogi State Football Association shall pay a fine of Two Hundred and Fifty Naira only (N250,000.00);

3.2.2.     In addition, the Kogi State Football Association shall be suspended from hosting any match in the on-going competition. This sanction is however suspended and will take effect in the event that the Kogi State Football Association is found to be in further breach of Rule 3.2.1.

3.3.       For inciting supporters of the club to commit acts of violence and or breach of the Rules of the Competition, pursuant to Rule 6.2.1, the Chairman of Kogi United, Abdul Sule, is banned from all match venues and all activities of the Competition for the remainder of the current edition of the Competition.

3.4.       For leading and participating in the acts of encroachment, assault on the Referee and consequential disruption of the match, the Head of Kogi United Supporters’ Club, Maikudi Kanin-Bala is banned from all football-related activities forthwith and for the next two seasons i.e. until the end of the 2019 Season.