NPFL: Heartland Fined N3m, Relegated To The NNL

This marks the first time the Naze Millionaires will drop out of topflight football, since their debut in the Nigerian league in 1976.

Their relegation was confirmed after their final fixture against Plateau United, with Heartland abandoning the tie in the 75th minute following a dispute with the match referee.

The referee disallowed their goal for offside with scores levelled at 1-1.

The LMC, following a review of reports and video of the match, said the Naze Millionaires breached the rule because of their failure to continue with the match and were subsequently fined N3,000,000 and a forfeiture of the three points and three goals which was awarded to Plateau United.

“The League Management Company following a review of reports and video of the match issued separate Summary Jurisdiction Notices to the clubs,” LMC said in a statement.

“In the case against Heartland, the LMC charged the club for breach of B13.26 for failing to continue with the match. The team is also fined N3 million and will forfeit three points and three goals to Plateau United.

“For the breach, the LMC fined Plateau United N1 million and both clubs have 48 hours to submit to the ruling or elect representatives to appear before the commission if they are not satisfied with the decision.”

The Owerri based club however said they will appeal the judgement and will secure justice by every means possible.

The Media Officer of the club, Cajetan Nkwopara told Goal that Heartland would be appealing the verdict of the LMC and that they would explore all possibilities through legitimate means to get justice.

“We will definitely appeal the verdict of the LMC. We won’t allow this injustice to stand,” The Media Officer of the club, Cajetan Nkwopara told Goal.

“Everyone at the stadium saw what happened and we cannot be blamed for the way the tie ended after a legitimate goal was disallowed. The management of the club will meet and take a conclusive decision on the verdict but what is certain is that we will explore all avenues necessary to ensure that the right justice is served.”

A win for Heartland plus a defeat for MFM FC against IfeanyiUbah FC, would have kept them in the NPFL.
Heartland endured a miserable season, where they won 11 games and recorded 11 draws.
As part of the verdict by the LMC, Plateau United were also fined N1, 000,000 for failing to control their fans who were caught on camera throwing objects onto the field.