The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has charged Kano Pillars for breaching its “framework and rules” during their away fixture at Nasarawa United in matchday nine on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
The Kano-based club have been sanctioned for a statement from their media and communications department regarding a statement from forward, Ahmed Musa, who allegedly made derogatory remarks about the match officials.
The four-time NPFL champions were beaten 1-0 by Nasarawa United at the Lafia Township Stadium courtesy of a lone goal from Anas Yusuf, and Musa berated the officials for their poor showing throughout the matchday.
“I’ve been praising the officiating and the progress in the league up until now, but the performance of the officials in this matchday 9 game makes me wonder if coming back to play in the NPFL was the right choice,” the Nigeria international said.
“For the league to improve, we need to address the quality of officiating. Officials must not be allowed to diminish the players’ morale and effort.
“If I keep witnessing such officiating, I cannot encourage anyone to return to the NPFL, It would be a waste of our efforts if this continues.”
It ended one nil in favour of the home team. pic.twitter.com/aw8lEDKU4T
— Kano Pillars FC (@pillarsfc) October 27, 2024
Pillars have also been charged with failing to ensure the proper conduct of their team after defender Ugochukwu Gabriel exhibited unruly behaviour during the match.
The NPFL Disciplinary Board deemed both acts as “capable of bringing the game to disrepute” and have fined Kano Pillars ₦2 million – ₦1 million for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute and another ₦1 million for improper conduct of their players & officials.
Meanwhile, Gabriel, who was sent off against Nasarawa United, has been handed a nine-game suspension, which commences from matchday 10
Kano Pillars were also reportedly issued a warning to desist from publishing similar statements in the near future, and were advised to report their complaints through the appropriate medium as a recurrence would leader to sterner sanctions.
The club, however, reserve the rights to appeal the sanctions within 48 hours from the date of notice.
