Court Suspends Nigeria League Over Giwa FC Sanction

The court had in a ruling made on August 12 overturned the suspension of Giwa FC from the league by the LMC and directed the company to reinstate the Jos-based club to the league.

However, the LMC is yet to implement the order of the court, which prompted the proprietor of Giwa Football Club, Ambassador Chris Giwa back to court demanding the court to re-address the suspension of his club from participating in the ongoing premiership.

Justice I. I. Kunda in his ruling delivered at the high court yesterday decried the tactics being employed by the counsel to the LMC, Olumide Olujimi, which he said was to delay the case knowing fully well that the Nigerian league is time-bound, adding that the counsel was hoping that the league would have effectively ended before the case is determined.

He stated that the counsels to the NFF and the LMC had not filed response to the motion on notice nor the orders given and had not sorted out the legal representation of the league.

The Judge, while declaring the case adjourned sine die, also told the defendants that they can proceed with their appeal at the Appeal Court if they so wished.

The LMC, in reaction to the ruling said: “The League Management Company has been inundated with sundry calls and enquirers regarding a piece of news being circulated that Plateau State High Court, Jos has made an order stopping Nigeria Professional Football League until the reinstatement of Giwa FC to the League.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, LMC states categorically, that it has not been served with any such order and is consequently unable to comment on this matter. If such an order is at any time in the future produced or served on it by due process of law, LMC wishes all our clubs, footballers, fans, partners and all Nigerians to be reassured that it shall take all steps appropriate in the circumstances to protect the integrity of the NPLF.

“Accordingly, the LMC states that the operation of the NPFL proceeds apace as scheduled and unhindered in any manner whatsoever.”

The LMC has filed an appeal against the ruling at the Appeal Court.