NPFL 24: NFF make decision over Hadi Mohammed's ineligible appearance claims for 3SC against Rivers United

The decision of the Nigeria Football Federation disciplinary committee held on 7th March, 2024 on the eligibility of Hadi Mohammed who was featured in he matchday 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture between Rivers United against Shooting Stars Sporting club has been revealed as gathered by Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The findings as communicated by the federation includes:

1. The issue brought before the Committee by Rivers United FC bothers on eligibility of Player Hadi Mohammed Jersey No. 4 to play match day 15 for 3SC FC against Rivers United FC.

2. The Player Hadi Mohammed was transferred from Akwa United FC to play for 3SC FC, and he was duly transferred by NPFL within the transfer window.

3. That there is no provision in the 2023/2024 framework of the NPFL that prohibits a duly transferred and registered player with valid license not to play any match of his new club starting from the date of his license regardless of the fact that the match ought to have been played within the first stanza.

4. That the match No. 15 was scheduled to be played within First Stanza of the League but was rescheduled and played on the 14th February, 2024 after the end of the first stanza.

5. Rivers United FC admitted before the Committee that notwithstanding the absence of any specific provision in the NPFL Regulation supporting their protest, in respect of fielding a duly registered player in rescheduled matches before the close of the transfers windows, but they predicated their protest on morality, sporting fairness and justice.

Decision:

Based on the above findings, the Committee decides as follows:

1. The Committee is constrained to recommend any punishment for an act that was not defined as an offence and punishment prescribed in a written law, in this case, the NPFL Framework.

2. The Committee finds it difficult to base its judgement based on morality and presumptions.

3. In line with Art. 9.88 of NPFL Framework and Rules, 2023/2024 which provides that a player shall only be registered and play for one club in the league during a season: except properly transferred to another within the season.

4. That the player was duly transferred and issued a license in accordance with the NPFL frame work.

4. The protest by Rivers United FC against the summary jurisdiction of the NPFL regarding the match between Rivers United V. 3SC lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.

5. That the above decisions are without prejudice to the right of appeal.

Credit: NFF Media

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola