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Abuja – Mohammed Sanusi, Director of Competitions, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), on Tuesday said investigations into the match fixing scandal in the Nigeria Nation Wide League (NNWL), were almost concluded.
Speaking after a meeting of the investigation/disciplinary committee in Abuja, Sanusi said that the committee had a very fruitful deliberation.
It would be recalled that Plateau United FC’s Feeder team scored a whopping 79 un-replied goals to overcome Akurba FC of Nasarawa.
Also, the Police Machine FC, Adamawa “crushed’’ Babayaro FC of Gombe 67-0 both in the Nigeria Nation Wide League NNWL Division 4.
Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine FC were tied on four points each with the same goal difference, and needed the last matches to qualify into NNWL Division 3.
The four teams were placed on an indefinite suspension by the NFA on July 8, pending further investigations into the matter.
Sanusi said that the committee took decisions that would serve as deterrent to would-be offenders and described the scandal as a disgrace to the nation’s football.
“We invited the four teams involved in the saga, two teams attended: Plateau United Feeders and Akurba FC of Nasarawa; while Police Machine of Adamawa and Babayaro FC of Gombe did not come.
“All the two match commissioners and the centre referees were in attendance.
The hosts’ Football Associations (FAs) were also in attendance as well as the zonal coordinators.
“Some of the players from the teams involved also came and testified, especially the captain of Akurba FC of Nasarawa.
“At the end, based on the evidences before us, we took decisions which we think will salvage Nigerian football,” he said.
Sanusi, who doubles as the Secretary of the Organising Committee, noted that the country’s integrity was at stake because the international community was very interested in the outcome of the cases.
“FIFA has been keeping a close watch on the issues.
“In fact, while we were in the meeting, some foreign newsmen called; every day we receive calls from international organisations eager to find out our decision on the matter.
He said that the outcome of the meeting would be made public as soon as possible.
“By the time we present our report to the people who assigned us to carry out this investigation, and it is approved, then our findings and actions will be made public,” he said.(NAN)
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