The secretariat of Nationwide League One (NLO) has warned clubs especially Nigeria Police sponsored clubs to desist from the use of armed police officers at league venues to intimidate opposition clubs contrary to the laws of the game.
The Chief Operating Officer of the league, Shola Ogunnowo said in a statement that Police officers at match venues are expected to checkmate acts of violence but most times some of them resort to intimidating opposing teams to favour clubs sponsored by the Police.
“We are happy that Nigeria Police Force have some clubs they are sponsoring in the NLO. However, the inappropriate use of armed police officers by these clubs is unacceptable to the NLO. This action is against the rules administering football all over the world as approved by FIFA and this practice must stop henceforth,” said Ogunnowo.
The secretariat therefore decided that henceforth, the host State Football Associations should endeavour to engage other security officers for all league matches involving Police Sponsored clubs.
“The Nigeria Civil Defence Corp, the Nigeria Legion and others are among security services that can be engaged in league matches in NLO since football event is civil,” he said.
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