Embattled Wikki Tourists of Bauchi have been fined N2.5m and will be deducted three points and three goals making the ‘Bauchi elephants’ the third club in the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to face points deduction for violent conduct of fans in the course of their week 13 fixture which they lost 1-2 to Bayelsa United in Bauchi
In yesterday’s summary jurisdiction notice signed by Davidson Owumi, the Head of Operations of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), the club faces a monetary fine totalling N2.5m, three points and three goals deduction and closure of their home stadium to fans for the rest of the season.
Wikki Tourists was found in breach of Rule B8.21, Rule C11, B13.52 and B13.18 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
For breach of Rule B8.21, the club was fined N1m for failing to provide adequate security for the match officials before, during, and after the match which resulted in the assault on the match officials.
Apart from three points and three goals deduction for assault on match officials, Wikki Tourists was fined N500,000 for failure to provide adequate security and implement effective crowd control and was also ordered to make a compensatory payment totalling N1m to the four Match Officials at N250,000 for each.
However, Wikki Tourists are required to within 48 hours communicate in writing to the IMC, to submit to the ruling or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on the Government of Bauchi State to as a matter of urgency launch an investigation into the management of Wikki Tourists.
The sports writers made the call in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary Mahmud Yakubu Mohammed and Bala Bawaji respectively saying, as a critical stakeholder in sports development, it has noticed with concern the poor management of the club which is adversely affecting Wikki Tourists on and off the pitch.
“In view of the fact that Wikki Tourists are currently in the relegation zone, on 9th position with 12 points from 13 games in group B, SWAN is calling for an inquiry into every activity of the current management of the club from its inception to date, especially contracts of players and technical crew,” the statement reads in part.
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