Sodeeq Adeyemi
The League Management Committe (LMC) has written to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to permanently withdraw the Match Commissioner on duty during the game between Nassarawa United and Katsina United held last weekend at the Lafia City Staidium where Chineme Martins slumped and died of a suspected heart attack.
The Match Commissioner, Mr. Christian Mbah from Enugu State Football Association according to the letter was accused of negligence and dereliction of his obligations.
“For failure to perform his statutorily duty to ensure all requirements including Medical personnel and equipments are in place before allowing the match to go ahead and for also failing to submit his match report within the stipulated time frame despite the aggravated incident from the match” the letter validating the decision of LMC reads apart.
LMC also further requested that the number of those selected as Match Commissioners in NPFL matches be trimmed and retain only those who have demonstrated high level of competence in enforcing provisions of the NFF Club Licensing Requirements.
These development is in line with on-going review of strategies to improve existing medical protocols and general security at NPFL Match venues after the unfortunate incident of a Nassaarawa United Defender,Chineme Martins who slumped and died on the pitch of play when his team clashed with Katsina United in the week 23 of NPFL 19/20 season.
Other Match Commissioners were reminded that they must on no account start a match where the full compliments of medics are not available at the venue