Investigation into ‘fixed game’ still on – NPL

In spite of having held talks with captains and coaches of Sharks Football Club and Dolphins Football Club over allegations of match-fixing, the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) said the inquest into the whole saga will continue.

A statement from the Premier League on Thursday clearly read: “The Nigeria Premier League has come out categorically to state that investigation into the alleged match accord between Sharks FC and Dolphin FC is ongoing.

“It will interest you to note that, the Managers and Captains of both teams were invited on 30th November, 2010 to Abuja in commencing a preliminary investigation into the alleged match accord between Sharks FC and Dolphins FC.”

Stanley Eguma and Emah Godwin, who are coach and captain of Dolphins respectively, were in Abuja last month to answer questions on the ‘accord game’ just as Sharks’ coach, John Obuh and his captain, Odinga Odinga, faced the Premier League on same issue.

The NPL is now seeking assistance from Nigerians to provide it evidence to aid its investigation that the game between the two Port Harcourt clubs was allegedly fixed.

The league arbiter also pointed out that there are no evidence or claim to show that the game was fixed as claimed but will not hesitate in punishing the clubs and erring officials if found culpable of the alleged act.

“The meeting was presided over by the NPL Chairman and the resolutions reached at the end of the meeting are that the general public should forward to the NPL any relevant evidence and proof that could assist in its investigation.

“For your information, no complaints, petitions or evidence have been received from anybody so far. The league body is ever ready to receive any necessary facts or concrete evidence from the general public that will aid in the investigation.

“The case is still under investigation and it is therefore imperative that NPL is committed on reaching a logical conclusion on the matter and will not hesitate to invoke Article 4.5 of the rules and regulations,” read the statement.

SuperSport.com was also informed that if inquest into the allegation proves that the clubs are guilty then they will have to pay a hefty fine of N20 million while the result will be cancelled.

The NPL rules also made it clear that the two clubs face expulsion from the league as well as a minimum of five years each alongside anyone found guilty of such misconduct.