The Anambra Independent Football League (AIFL) has ratified the three-matchday suspension and a N10, 000 fine slammed on Ikenna Osueke, Proprietor of Ozalla FA of Onitsha.

The AIFL, in a communiqué of the resolutions of AIFL Season 5 Mid-Season Congress at Awka, said Osueke was sanctioned for directing his players to abandon a match.

He had directed the players to abandon their week nine match against World FA of Nanka.

In the communiqué signed by Obinna Dike and Godsent Eriobu, chairman and secretary of AIFL respectively, the league expressed its disappointment with Osueke.

”It was regrettable that in spite of the willingness of the players to proceed with the match after the misunderstanding, the owner of the club insisted that they walk out of the pitch.”

On the assault on officials of the match played at Umunze on March 5 by Osueke, the AIFL upheld the automatic sanction.

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This, according to AIFL Season 5 rules and regulations, is a fine of N10,000 and three-matchday suspension.

It then warned teams and officials against unprofessional conduct, adding that AIFL would not treat such unsportsmanlike conduct with kid gloves.

The AIFL Council also considered a plea in consideration of the players by deducting six points only from Ozalla FA in the current campaign, with an option of N150,000 fine.

Furthermore, the match’s three points were awarded to World FA of Nanka.

AIFL commended the 10 clubs participating in the league for their top quality games in the first stanza, and the host centres which contributed to the success achieved.

The league management however expressed worry over the quality of some referees which it said it would not tolerate in the second stanza.

The Council noted with consternation the below-par performance of some referees in the league.

It urged the match coordinator to liaise with the state referees council to punish affected referees according to their statutes.

“It was such poor performance from some referees that triggered the week nine altercation. AIFL therefore approves each team’s independent assessment of referees in all games.

“Referees who have more mentions in good performance will be suggested for adoption as AIFL referees to the referees council,” it stated.

AIFL approved the closure of its mid-season window on April 11 and April 16 for resumption of league hostilities.