NFF Appeals Committee Overturns Key Disciplinary Rulings, Upholds Jaguar FC's Appeal

NFF Appeals Committee Overturns Key Disciplinary Rulings, Upholds Jaguar FC's Appeal

By BSN Sports 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee has ruled in favour of Jaguar FC, overturning key aspects of an earlier decision by the NFF Disciplinary Committee and recommending a full investigation into allegations of forgery surrounding a Match Commissioner's Report, BSNSports.com.ng reports 

The decision, delivered in Abuja on July 24, 2026, stemmed from Jaguar FC's appeal against the NFF Disciplinary Committee's ruling on the Nationwide League One (NLO) fixture against Abakaliki Feeders FC played on May 26, 2026, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

After reviewing the Notice of Appeal, documentary evidence, records of proceedings, the NLO's decision, the Disciplinary Committee's ruling, and oral testimonies from all parties, the Appeals Committee identified the authenticity of the Match Commissioner's Report as the central issue in the case.

During the hearing, the individual identified as the Match Commissioner testified that he neither attended the match in that capacity nor prepared or submitted any report relating to the fixture. He further stated that he had never been informed of any appointment as Match Commissioner for the match.

The Committee held that the testimony, which was not challenged, established that the report relied upon by the NFF Disciplinary Committee had been forged and fraudulently introduced into the disciplinary proceedings. According to the Committee, the concealment of these material facts misled the Disciplinary Committee and significantly undermined the integrity of its decision-making process.

Based on its findings, the Appeals Committee ruled that Abakaliki Feeders FC breached Article 4:13(1) of the Nationwide League One Rules and Regulations (Amended Version, 2026) by presenting and/or benefiting from a forged Match Commissioner's Report during the disciplinary proceedings.

The Committee described the conduct as a serious violation of the principles of fairness, integrity, and good faith that underpin football administration and disciplinary adjudication.

Consequently, the Appeals Committee concluded that the Disciplinary Committee's findings were reached in error because they were founded on fraudulent evidence.

As part of its ruling, the Committee upheld Decision One of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, set aside Decisions Two and Three, and affirmed the earlier decision of the Nationwide League One.

It also declared that Abakaliki Feeders FC had breached Article 4:13(1) of the NLO Regulations, with the applicable sanctions to be enforced in accordance with the league's rules.

The Committee ruled that Jaguar FC's appeal succeeded in its entirety.

In addition, it recommended that the NFF Secretariat investigate the alleged forgery and fraudulent representations involved in the case and sanction any individuals found culpable.

The Appeals Committee stated that its decision is final and binding on all parties, noting that, under Article 70 of the NFF Statute (2010), no further appeal may be lodged.