Following the failure of Gateway FC of Abeokuta and Malunfashi FC of Katsina to meet up with regulation guidelines for the current football season, the board of the Nigeria National League (NNL), has announced the statutory withdrawal of the two teams from the 2023/2024 football League season.
The action was made known in a circular by the board signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ayo Abdulrahamam which was copied to the two clubs, their various state Football Associations, General Secretary of NFF, all clubs in conference B and D of the league and the President of NALCOMA, the board stated that it took the decision after several waivers to both clubs.
The statement reads” You may wish to recall that compulsory payment of registration fees was agreed on at the NNL Annual General Meeting held on 29th September, 2023 in Jos, Plateau State.
” Also recall our circulars; 265, 267 and 270 on condition of participation and NNL Rule Book as cardinal pre requisite for participation in the NNL League ( please see 2.1,2.1.3.11 and 3.5 ) of the NNL rule book for details.
The board noted that regrettably, after the expiration of the official grace period granted the clubs and series of telephone calls to the two club sides, they failed to comply with registration requirements which is an indication of their inability to participate in the league.
It further stated that in view of the above and in line with the provisions of the NNL Rule Book, 2.1,2.1.3.11 and 3.5, the league board is left with no option than to invoke it’s powers to withdraw the teams from the 2023 /2024 League season and that with the decision, the two sides looses their status as professional football sides with the NNL in line with article 3.5 of the league body’s rule book.
The board noted that the decision was without prejudice to their sponsors, financiers and any other organ associated with the clubs.
Both clubs were however reminded that they have the right to appeal to the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter.
