Today, the NFF called the scores from Monday's tournament in the northeastern city of Bauchi "a mind-boggling show of shame."
"The teams involved, their players and officials, match officials, (tournament) coordinator and anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter (will) be severely dealt with," NFF director of competitions Mohammed Sanusi said.
Chasing a place in Nationwide League Division 3, Nigeria's lowest professional league, Plateau United Feeders reportedly scored 72 of their goals against Akurba FC in the second half — a rate of more than a goal a minute. In fact, a goal about every 40 seconds. Non-stop for 45 minutes.
At the same time, Police Machine reportedly scored 61 times against Babayaro FC in the second half.
Based on those scores, Plateau United Feeders would have won promotion to the big leagues with 81 goals — in three games. Police Machine ultimately could manage only 69.
Plateau and Police won their opening games 2-0, then tied 0-0 when they met in the second round, meaning goals would be the decisive factor for promotion if both won their finales.
They got the goals they wanted.
And a suspension and a match-fixing investigation.
"This is a scandal of huge proportions," NFF vice president Mike Umeh said. "The four teams involved are suspended immediately and indefinitely, pending further sanctions. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it."
"The teams involved, their players and officials, match officials, (tournament) coordinator and anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter (will) be severely dealt with," NFF director of competitions Mohammed Sanusi said.
Chasing a place in Nationwide League Division 3, Nigeria's lowest professional league, Plateau United Feeders reportedly scored 72 of their goals against Akurba FC in the second half — a rate of more than a goal a minute. In fact, a goal about every 40 seconds. Non-stop for 45 minutes.
At the same time, Police Machine reportedly scored 61 times against Babayaro FC in the second half.
Based on those scores, Plateau United Feeders would have won promotion to the big leagues with 81 goals — in three games. Police Machine ultimately could manage only 69.
Plateau and Police won their opening games 2-0, then tied 0-0 when they met in the second round, meaning goals would be the decisive factor for promotion if both won their finales.
They got the goals they wanted.
And a suspension and a match-fixing investigation.
"This is a scandal of huge proportions," NFF vice president Mike Umeh said. "The four teams involved are suspended immediately and indefinitely, pending further sanctions. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it."
No comments:
Post a Comment