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NPFL: IMC issues N1 million fine on Sunshine Stars for poor security measures
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Interim Management Committee (IMC) have issued a fine of one million Naira on Sunshine Stars for breach of security measures in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League match with Rangers International.
According to IMC, the Akure-based side were sanctioned for breaches of Rule B13.52 and Rule B13.18 of the NPFL Framework and Rules and the club is to pay a total fine of ₦1m, with a warning of a possible closure of the stadium to fans should there be a repeat of the breach.
In a Summary Jurisdiction notice sent to the Akure-based club, the IMC said findings from a review of Match Officials’ report on last Sunday’s fixture against Rangers indicted the club for failure to provide adequate security and implement effective crowd control.
Sunshine Stars was also found in breach of Rule B.13:18 as some of their supporters threw objects unto the field of play, targeting players and match officials, which resulted in the disruption of the match.
The club was fined ₦500,000 each on the two counts and an order to implement more effective security measures as a reoccurrence may lead to a closure of the Akure Township Stadium, in addition to any other appropriate sanction.
The fine according to IMC must be paid within 14 days failing which additional sanctions may be imposed in line with the dictates of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
Sunshine Stars however retains the right in accordance with Rule C26, to within 48 hours of the date of the notice, either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.
The said match ended in a 1-1 draw as Yusuf Ibrahim’s opener for Sunshine Stars was equalised by Rangers’ Chiediebere Nwobodo.
The Akure-based side occupy the fifth position in Group B with 18 points, five points behind leader, Lobi Stars.
It will next face Abia Warriors in Umuahia on April 15.
