Giwa FC expelled from NPFL

The League Management Company (LMC) officially confirmed the expulsion of Giwa FC from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Friday.

LMC made the decision after the Jos based club failed to honour three cumulative home matches against Wikki Tourists, Akwa United and most recently Enyimba at the Ilorin Township Stadium.

It argued that Giwa FC breached the Rule B13.28 of the NPFL framework, which states: “If a club fails to honour three matches cumulatively within the league season without an acceptable reason to the LMC such a club shall be expelled from the league and its matches played and unplayable shall be cancelled.”

According to the LMC, all the matches involving Giwa FC have been suspended.

The club owned by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) factional president, Chris Giwa, have 48 hours to appeal or accept the LMC’s decision of expulsion, and could face heavier fine if they failed with the appeal.

Giwa FC were banished to Ilorin to play three consecutive home games after disturbances in its matchday 12 game with Rangers which was not concluded in Jos.

Though Giwa FC sent a letter to have its game against Enyimba rescheduled, the LMC said it failed to meet ‪NPFL provision that clearly spells out that requesting for a shift in game must come 72 hours before the said game holds.

The LMC further ruled that for failing to honour the fixture with Enyimba, Giwa FC will pay a fine of N10 million.

Meanwhile, the LMC has offered to proportionally compensate all clubs that have played Giwa FC to date and also review the matter of registered players currently contracted to the club.

Giwa FC will forfeit all monetary earnings due to it this season from the League.