Date: 2021-08-11

Kwara United FC have rejected the ruling of the Nigeria Football Federation Appeals Committee on the match-day 34 Nigeria Professional Football League tie between Jigawa Golden Stars and Rivers United.

Kwara United FC had ended the season with 65 points and +20 goals difference, which guaranteed them third place on the final NPFL table and CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

But the decision of the Appeals Committee, which awarded three points and three goals against Jigawa Golden Stars for fielding an ineligible player in the game, meant Rivers, who were sixth with 63 points, climbed to second place with 66 points, overtaking Enyimba on goals difference. It also meant that Kwara United were knocked out of continental football as they slumped to fourth.

But Kwara United, in a statement, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling of the committee, questioning the "one-sided attendance of the committee," as well as its headship.

According to the Chairman, Kwara United, Kumbi Titiloye, the Chairman of the Appeals Committee, Eddy Mark, is an employee of the Rivers State Government and would not have decided otherwise.

He added that the Appeals Committee was not duly constituted, insisting it was not legal.

"Kwara United FC rejects this decision in its entirety and will put NFF on notice immediately before proceeding to the Court of Arbitration for Sports," Titiloye told one of our correspondents.

Meanwhile, there is anxiety in the football sector as the NFF faces a tough race to beat the registration deadline for the Confederation of Africa Football club competitions.

"The kick-off will be September 10, 2021. The draw for the preliminary rounds will be made on August 15, 2021, at the latest. Bids to host the interclub finals will be open in November 2021," CAF said in a statement on its website.

While the League Management Company hurried the 2020/21 league season to a completion last week, the Aiteo Cup was concluded on Sunday, with second-tier Bayelsa United emerging victorious.

Akwa United won the league and secured a place in the CAF Champions League, but our correspondent learnt that Bayelsa United’s Aiteo Cup win added a new twist to the puzzle.

It was gathered that in order to beat the deadline, the NFF had sent the names of 10 NPFL clubs to CAF as possible representatives. Bayelsa's victory however meant that a club from the lower league won the ticket.

As it stands, however, only NPFL clubs have CAF club licensing, which is a requirement for registration for CAF competitions.

Both CAF club competitions will begin on September 10 across the continent.