In the world of sports, particularly football, fairness and consistency are paramount for integrity and credibility. The excitement that comes with every goal, every match, and every season hinges on the belief that all teams are playing under the same set of rules.
However, the verdict of Nigeria Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee on the protest lodged by Plateau United Football Club of Jos against the earlier decision of the NPFL where the Club’s 3 points and 3 goals were deducted following the incident of Match Day 11 versus Rangers International of Enugu, called this principle into question.
The National Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee’s inconsistent decisions, particularly regarding the protest against points deduction involving Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance, and Plateau United, where the clubs were sanctioned for same infringements but got different verdicts demand an urgent need for the NFF Appeals Committee to reconsider these rulings in order to restore trust and uphold the spirit of the game.
The NFF Disciplinary committee’s skewed verdict where the two clubs had their points and goals restored but that of Plateau United denied, can best be likened to playing the same game with different rules. This murders the concept of fairness and justice particularly equality before the law which from the inception of the round leather game has been the guiding principle.
This again reminds us of the bitter experience during 2023 General Elections litigation where State and Federal Legislators were unseated for the same infractions by the Appeals Court while the Supreme Court ruled that such a decision shouldn’t have stood, thereby declaring Gov Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang duly nominated and elected. Selective justice murders not only the morals of teams but sends a clear message that football politics of favouritism takes precedence over equity
To provide context to this situation, it is essential to understand the specific events leading to the current circumstance. After certain irregularities ranging from disruption of fixture to failure to provide adequate security for Match Day and molestation of match officials were reported, the NPFL Committee in summary jurisdictions took immediate decisions.
Both Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance had points deducted for similar infractions. Nevertheless, Plateau United’s protest to NFF Disciplinary Committee for identical offence, they were denied the opportunity to recover their points. This apparent inconsistency in the application of sanctions has raised eyebrows and left many questioning the integrity of the NFF’s rulings.
The notion that similar offences warrant different penalties erodes the foundational principles of sportsmanship and fairness. This I can attest, stands against the personal ideologies of Alh Ibrahim Musa Gusau whose track records as Chairman of Chairmen to presently, NFF President has been nothing but just, fair and impartial
This application of different sanctions for the same offence as delivered by the NFF Disciplinary Committee undoubtedly has critical impact on the teams, the league as a whole, and the trust of fans and stakeholders in Nigerian football.
Football, often seen as a unifying force in Nigeria, a country divided along ethnic, religious and regional affiliations looks up to football beyond just a pastime; it is a platform for social interaction, a source of pride, and an economic driver for many communities. A perceived lack of fairness undermines these aspects and poses serious threats to the sport’s growth and development.
Given the complexities surrounding the arguable allegations against Plateau United and subsequent rulings, the NFF Appeals Committee has a massive responsibility to address these issues. The Appeals Committee’s expected review will definitely speak volumes that it exists not only for ensuring justice but to ensure that trust is restored within the league. When a decision is perceived as unjust, the onus lies on the Appeals Committee to act decisively to rectify the situation.
The justification behind the Appeals Committee potential intercession should be based on the core principles of fairness and consistency. This will surely reinforce the credibility of the NFF Board led by the just and honest Zamfara born football administrator, Alh Ibrahim Musa Gusau. It will also show that they are committed to administering justice without bias and it would not only benefit Plateau United but could also serve as a precedent that celebrates a culture of integrity and respect within the league, ultimately leading to a more competitive and respected football environment in Nigeria.
…Amb Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N) is the Chairman, Langtang North Amateur Football Association (LAFA) and Vice Chairman, PFA Media Committee. He wrote from Jos
