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NPFL: IMC fines Lobi Stars for kickoff delay in Doma United loss
By Wale Mustapha
The Interim Management Committee has placed a fine of Two Million Naira (₦2million) on Lobi Stars for breaching the league’s Framework and Rules after a delay in kickoff against Doma United in Gombe on Sunday.
In a summary jurisdiction signed by the IMS’s Head of Operations, Davison Owumi announced that Lobi Stars were charged for breaches of Rule B13.26, C1.1, and C 9, and further fined the Markudi based outfit ₦1.5million for disturbances and disruptions caused by their team that led to delayed kickoff.
“You are in breach of Rule B13.26 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier football League, in that on Sunday 26th of March 2023, in the course of Match Day 10 Fixture: Doma United FC vs. Lobi Stars FC, your Vice-Chairman, Mr. Dominic Iorfa, caused disturbances and disruptions that delayed the kick-off for the match,” the IMC statement reads.
“Lobi was also found in breach of Rule C.9 for failing to “control your officials and ensure their proper conduct which resulted in the disruption of Match Day proceedings. Another fine of ₦500,000 was imposed on Lobi Stars for “failing to control and ensure the proper conduct of your official(s)”.
The Pride of Benue has been ordered to pay the fine within 14 working days and must communicate it’s acceptance of the decision in writing within 48 hours or elect to appear before a panel.
The Club’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dominic Iorfa was also issued a stern warning for his role in the disruption of the start of the game, while Owumi expressed displeasure at the unsporting conduct of home fans in Doma United 2-0 win against Lobi Stars.
In the matter of Doma United, the IMC noted that “all stakeholders, including fans and supporters, are expected to act in the best interest of the game and comply with the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, as well as the rules and regulations governing the League, at all times”.
Consequently, Doma United were warned that a repeat of such conduct would lead to sanctions on their home ground, the Pantami Stadium.
Meanwhile, the IMC’s Head of Operations has revealed that some of the match officials have been summoned for in-house administrative procedure with a view to reviewing their actions on the day, before and during the match.
