LMC issues jurisdiction notices to Finidi George, Pillars, others

Following observed breaches of sections of the Nigeria Professional Football League Rules and Framework, the League Management Company has moved to check developments that are capable of bringing the league to disrepute and smooth organization.

It has thus issued jurisdiction notices to Coach Finidi George of Enyimba, some Match Commissioners, Referees and Kano Pillars.

Coach George was charged for his disparaging statement to the media, which publicly questioned the performance and integrity of the match officials after the Match Day 15 game in Owerri against Heartland instead of sending his complaints through the appropriate channels.

George was issued a warning and directed to desist from such conduct.

“You are therefore advised to desist from making such comments as a future reoccurrence of this conduct could result in appropriate sanctions against you,” the memo stated.

In another memo to the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation and Referee Appointment Committee, the LMC requested the review of the performance of Match Officials in the Heartland vs Enyimba Match Day 15 fixture.

The LMC requested the review of the performance of Referee Adebimpe Quadri of the Lagos State Referees Council, which it believed might have incited incidents of security breaches and misconduct among supporters and club officials.

“We also request a review of the suitability of the Referee for further matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League,” the LMC wrote.

The League body also expressed displeasure with the performance of the Match Commissioner, Haruna Garba of Gombe State Football Council, in the Match Day 16 fixture between Kano Pillars and Rivers United.

“We request a review of the standard and quality of performance of the Match Commissioner, due to his failure to enforce the proactive closed-door directive, as well as overall failure to ensure the proper and smooth organization of the match referenced above, which resulted in the breakdown of security at the match venue,” the LMC stated.