The League Management Company (LMC) and Club Owners, at a joint consultative meeting held at the Grand Bee Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday, reached a 12-point resolution, designed to curb the growing incident of intimidation of match officials and crowd encroachment on the field of play.
Signed by all the clubs present at the meeting, the highpoint of the resolution is the declaration of a state of emergency for the remaining seven rounds of matches in the Glo Premier League- starting with midweek’s Matchday 32 fixtures.
“A State of emergency is hereby declared for the remaining seven round of matches in view of the present spate of disturbances and agitations going on for sometime in the League,” the communiqué read.
The second aspect enjoins clubs to abide by the resolutions, urging them to ensure they remain committed to “Fair Play” during league matches either as hosts or visitors.
“That all clubs agree to play in accordance with the rules of the game and in the spirit of Fair Play, and hereby submit themselves to this Resolution vis-à-vis the remaining seven matches of the league season.”
The LMC has also resolved to appoint Independent/Secret Match Assessor and Security Coordinator whose findings and reports shall form part of the official match report.
Part of the declarations also states that points will no more be awarded to teams based on protests for the remaining round of matches of the on-going season.
“It was resolved that the awarding of Boardroom points, which is the major cause and or reason for the present disturbances and agitations in the league be suspended for the remaining seven round of matches. Henceforth, teams shall be punished according to available findings and for the avoidance of doubt, Article 2.0 and 4.2 of the Rules and Regulations are excluded.”
Clubs are now expected to increase the numbers of Police details and other security services during home matches and home teams found to have disrupted proceedings will be banished from their home to neutral grounds and fined.
The Nigeria Referee Association were also asked to educate its members on the serious nature of the last seven round of matches and ensure they carry out their responsibility with utmost integrity.
These resolutions have been domiciled with the NFF Disciplinary and Appeal Committee for reference and Guidance.
