In a move defined by the need to sanitize and uphold the integrity of the tournament, the Central Working Committee (COC) called for a joint session with the Disciplinary and Appeals Committees to deliberate on the protests and counter allegations following the Round of 16 match between Krusaders Feeders FC and Agbere FC.
Krusaders Feeders FC had earlier levelled a protest against Agbere FC who won their R16 match claiming Douyibo Iworiso Peace was ineligible to play for Agbere FC having played in the Nigerian National League with Henserd FC in the 2022/23 season. The Disciplinary Committee found the claims viable and disqualified Agbere FC forthwith. However in an appealed filed by Agbere FC they also levelled a counter allegation against Krusaders Feeders FC for featuring Surveyor Handsome in the game who also played for Henserd FC in the same 2022/23 season as Douyibo Iworiso did.
The Appeals Committee also met and upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Committee having gone further to secure the license of the said player: Douyibo Iworiso Peace. However following the counter allegations leveled against Krusaders Feeders FC by Agbere FC the matter had to be referred to the COC.
Following these developments the COC quickly swung into action and after due consultations and extensive deliberations determined that both Krusaders Feeders FC and Agbere FC were no longer worthy of a place in the tournament and disqualified both teams from further participation in the tournament. The COC has hinged itsdecision and actions based on the provisions of Article VIII Sub Rules 6,7,8,9 and 10) of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament aka Prosperity Cup to wit:
- Any team that uses an ineligible player in a match shall be disqualified and the match will be awarded to the opposing team.
- A player that has participated in Nigeria National League (NNL) or Premier League (NPFL) is not allowed to play in the championship.
- Any amateur (NLO) player that is registered in the current season is not eligible to play.
- Any player that has played professional or amateur football outside the country is not allowed to play.
- Any team that violates the above rules shall be automatically disqualified.
Based on the above and premised on Article XXV given the counter allegations by Agbere FC the COC deemed it appropriate to step in and take control of the situation. The actions of the COC are without prejudice but purely based on the need to clean the tournament of all violations as it comes to the notice of the Organizers. The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament aka Prosperity Cup remains the most glamorous and largest grassroots football competition in Nigeria and beyond and everything possible within the armpits of the law to keep it so will be done at all points in time.
The COC hereby warns any team involved in such acts to think twice as no team will be spared the rod of sanctions even on the eve of the final match. Coaches and supporters of teams so penalized are also warned to stop disparaging the integrity of the tournament as severe sanctions will be imposed on such persons.
The COC looks forward to a successful grand finale of the tournament on the 20th of July, 2024 and wishes the best team victory.