Match Manipulation: NFF Appeals Committee Clears Seamoriow FA From Allegation

Match Manipulation: NFF Appeals Committee Clears Seamoriow FA From Allegation

Ibrahim Lateef

Seamoriow Football Club has been cleared of match-fixing allegations following an investigation that found no wrongdoing, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Previously, the Nationwide League One (NLO) imposed sanctions on the Lagos-based team for alleged match manipulation after their 9-2 victory against ACT Sports di Oyibo and Franceex United’s 9-0 win against Bison FC in their final season matches, which were played simultaneously to determine the Maracanna Centre winner for the playoffs.

In a decision published on Monday, the NFF Appeals Committee stated: "In the absence of sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the match between Franceex United FC and Bison FC was fixed, and considering that both teams were denied a fair hearing, the NLO's decision to cancel the results of the two matches is hereby set aside."

Secretary Seamoriow Sports Limited, Obi Emmanuel, expressed relief at the committee's decision, stating, "At Seamoriow Football Club, we abide by the rules and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any manipulation that threatens the integrity of football.

"The team has moved on from the disappointment of losing the NLO playoffs ticket on goal difference. The focus now for the players and coaching staff is to prepare for Nigeria's prestigious pre-season tournament, the Optima Energy Gold Cup, where they will compete against some of the best club sides from the three league divisions."

The fast-growing Lagos team, who are on the verge of signing partnership deals with some European clubs to export some of their talents, also have 3 players who have been scouted for the Nigeria U17 National team during a just concluded scouting program in Lagos by the U17 National Team handler.

In a recent development, the club president, Pastor Seyi Amos, departed for Europe last Friday to embark on a networking and football business tour.

He is currently in Spain, where he plans to sign a partnership deal with several clubs, following his earlier agreement with a club in Germany earlier in the week.

After his time in Spain, Pastor Seyi Amos will travel to Slovenia for similar purposes.