As the dust of the excitement for qualifying into the final is yet to be settled, the Delta State University, DELSU football team in the ongoing 2022 edition of the Higher Institutions Football League, HIFL have been banned from participating in the inter-collegiate competition for the next 3 years.
According to press statement released via the social media account of the organizer of the league, it revealed that DELSU Titans used players that were not eligible during the semi-fianl match against Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE held at University of Benin, UNIBEN Sports Complex which ended in penalty kicks 5-4 in favour of the banned team after a 0-0 draw in the full time.
Due to the imposed sanction, FUOYE will proceed to play the final against Kwara State University, KSU Steelers while University of Nigeria, UNN Lions will take on University of Ilorin, UNILORIN Warriors in the thirdplace playoffs.
“DELSU Titans from Delta State University have been banned from the Higher Institutions Football League for three years.
The University team has been found guilty of fielding ineligible players during the HiFL 2022 Semi-final clash against the FUOYE Dazzlers from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
The imposed sanction will begin with immediate effect implying that DELSU Titans will forfeit its spot in the Super Four Finals of the HiFL 2022 season. FUOYE Dazzlers will proceed to the Finals to take on KSU Steelers while UNN Lions will take on UNILORIN Warriors in the thirdplace playoffs.
The disqualification decision made by the HiFL Technical Committee on Monday, 12th September 2022 is consistent with the League’s disciplinary measures against fielding ineligible player(s) and was communicated officially to the team and officials.” The statement read.
The organizer assured it commitment to make the league transparent and void of manipulation.
“The board and management of the HiFL will continue to ensure accreditation, registration and verification of all players and officials are duly enforced for the credibility of the league. All other steps to ensure that this situation is not repeated in the future would be communicated to all stakeholders as the league proceeds.
HIFL®, its organizers and partners strongly remain committed to sustaining a fair and transparent league, devoid of any form of malpractice, while stimulating healthy rivalry among students across Nigeria in the unifying spirit of sportsmanship.” The statement read.