Chineme Martins: NFF Advised To Suspend Nasarawa United, Fined N10m

Chineme Martins: NFF Advised To Suspend Nasarawa United, Fined N10m

By Niyi Busari

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Adhoc Committee on Safety and Security set up to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of Nasarawa United player, Chineme Martins has recommended that the NPFL club should be suspended and that the club should pay N10 million naira as fine for non-compliance, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This is contained in a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation released on Thursday.

Chimeme Martins during a Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, game in Lafia on 8th March 2020 after colliding with an opposing player died before he got to the hospital where he was rushed to for safety.

The Committee in their findings discovered that Nasarawa United had neither a medical doctor nor physiotherapist but rather got a retired community health assistant to head its medical team which led to the mismanagement of the rescucitation process.

The Dr. Peter Singabele-led Committee therefore recommended that the Lafia based team should suspended, also pay the sum of Ten Million naira (N10 million) for non-compliance with Club Licensing Regulations and violation of NPFL Framework and Rules, adding that the player should be immotalised.

“The Nasarawa FA should be temporarily suspended from hosting all NFF-organized matches (including domestic league matches) until some clearly stated conditions are met. The player must be immortalized.

"Nasarawa United FC should pay a fine of N10million to the LMC for non-compliance with Club Licensing Regulations and violation of NPFL Framework and Rules, and should pay all financial entitlements of the late Martins immediately, including arrears of salaries and insurance benefits, if any.

Among the committee’s recommendations are: that all clubs should have a minimum of one qualified medical officer and a physiotherapist; all club players must undergo mandatory PCMA in line with CAF and FIFA standards; clubs must keep adequate medical records of players and officials and; there must be mandatory pre-season basic medical screening.

There were also recommendations on what home teams must provide before games should start; safety and security precautions to be assured by the State Football Association and; sanctions for Nasarawa FA and Nasarawa United FC.

“The NFF should empower its Medical Committee, Technical Committee, Club Licensing Department and the LMC to exercise fully their statutory powers and functions,” Dr. Singabele added.