Kwara United GM Bashir Badawiy rejects Lagos FA sanction, calls N10m fine a “funny call”

By Dayo Awoniyi

Kwara United General Manager, Bashir Badawiy, has publicly criticized the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) over a two-year ban and a ₦10 million fine imposed on him for alleged misconduct during the President Federation Cup final in Lagos.

Reacting to the decision, Badawiy questioned the jurisdiction of the LSFA over a national tournament organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), calling the sanction both surprising and inappropriate.

“Ordinarily, this is not a matter I should have reacted to, especially coming from the Lagos State Football Association, considering the fact that the competition mentioned is not a Lagos State affair, but a national event,” Badawiy said.

He insisted that only the NFF, as the governing body responsible for organizing the competition, has the authority to impose disciplinary measures stemming from the event.

“It was a match owned and organized by the NFF. The Secretary General and the President of the NFF were present at the final and would have acted if there had been any breach. This should not be the Lagos FA’s assignment.”

Badawiy also expressed disbelief over the ₦10 million fine attached to the LSFA’s sanction, describing it as excessive and unjustified.

“I don’t know when jubilation in football became an offence that attracts a fine of ₦10 million. That’s a funny call,” he said.

The incident has sparked renewed discussion over the boundaries of authority between state football associations and the national body, with many observers calling for clearer lines of responsibility in the administration of Nigerian football.

The President Federation Cup final, attended by top NFF officials and state governors, saw Kwara United emerge victorious over Abakaliki FC, securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The NFF is expected to review the incident before determining whether to uphold, modify, or overturn the LSFA’s sanction.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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