CAF CL Slot: Punishing Rivers United For Iyaye's Outburst Is Against The Rule - Baribote Tells NFF

CAF CL Slot: Punishing Rivers United For Iyaye's Outburst Is Against The Rule - Baribote Tells NFF

By Niyi Busari

Former Second Vice-president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Victor Baribote has said warned the NFF not to punish Rivers United over the outburst of the Commissioner of Sports of Rivers United, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

NFF on Friday had ordered the NPFL side, Rivers United to tender an unreserved apology to the federation within 48 hours (today) or face disciplinary action over the comment of the Commissioner of Sports of the state, Iyaye.

Iyaye's outburst follows the decision of the federation to ratify the 2019/20 NPFL table where the League Management Company (LMC) placed Rivers United in the third position behind Enyimba International despite the former having superior goal different.

By the replacement, Enyimba were handed the CAF Champions League slot. The decision which was vehemently rejected by Rivers United insisting that it deserved to be second on the log on the application of the rule of goal difference.

Baribote in an interview with BSN Sports insisted that the warning is needless because the Commissioner is not part of the football club hence is statement should not be punished on the club.

Shedding more light, he added that attributing government official's comment on club is bringing government into football which FIFA always frown at.

"What is the Rule book saying about government official on club management in FIFA and NFF laws? are they now part of club management ? Why will the statement of the Hon. Commissioner for Sport be attributed to Rivers United? In 2011 season back then it was Sharks Football Club their matches were suspended for two weeks alleging that the Hon. Commissioner signed a document on behalf of the club which was considered as government interference will l be right to say that government official are part of club management with the latest letter to Rivers United Fc just a question pls."