Heartland Fc Relegated, Fined N3m For Abandoning Fixure In Jos

Four-time Nigerian champions Heartland were on Thursday relegated from the Premier League by the League Management Company.

The LMC, in a statement,  also fined the Owerri-based club N3m after they abandoned their fixture against Plateau United on Sunday in Jos.


They also forfeited three points and three goals, which were awarded to Plateau, who were also fined N1m by the league body for the unruly decision of their fans.

Heartland reportedly abandoned the game in the 75th  minute, after they had a goal disallowed with the score at 1-1. A win for Heartland would have seen Lagos side MFM, who defeated IfeanyiUbah 1-0 in their final game, drop to the second tier league.

But the 2009 CAF Champions League  finalists can appeal the decision of the league body.

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

“In the case against Heartland, the LMC charged the club for breach of B13.26, in that they failed to continue with a match. It also officially confirms the relegation of the  club,  which also has the option of appearing before a commission within 48 hours.

“In the charge against Plateau United, their supporters were seen  throwing objects onto the field, which led to delay in the start of the second half, an act considered a breach of Rule B13.18. For the breach, the LMC fined Plateau  N1m and the club has 48 hours to submit to the ruling or elect to appear before a commission.”

But spokesman for  Heartland,  Cajetan Nkwopara, said the club were yet to  be contacted by  the LMC .

 “We haven’t received any such letter; when we do, we will know the next step to take,” he said.

MFM chairman, Godwin Enakhena, said the Olukoya Boys were never worried about their safety in the topflight, after Heartland abandoned their game in Jos. He is optimistic the LMC position will  remain the same, even if Heartland appeals, adding that they were already preparing for next season.

He said, “It’s normal for an appeal; even a man sentenced to death has a right to appeal. But the rules are very clear; if you abandon a game when there is no violence and the match officials are not attacked, you will forfeit the game. We monitored events during the match in Jos; match officials waited for Heartland for 25 minutes but they refused to play.”,,