The leadership of the LMC has been accused of playing double standard over Wikki Tourists refusal to show up for NPFL 2021/22 match day one meeting with Sunshine Stars.
The Elephants of Bauchi arrived Ijebu Ode on Saturday, the adopted home of Sunshine Stars, earlier than the hosts and had a feel of the Dipo Dina Stadium turf with the full compliment of their squad, but surprisingly chose not to turn up for the match proper on Sunday.
It was gathered the Bauchi side are currently under transfer ban from FIFA, a similar fate Sunshine Stars have had to deal with in the past. The Owena Whales were under similar restriction in 2018 and had to play with a makeshift side without new recruits, resulting in 5-0 hammering at the hands of Plateau United in Jos.
For fear of defeat against Sunshine Stars, Wikki opted to flout the rules by not showing for the encounter, banking on their contacts within the top echelon of the league body to influence the match officials who have decided not to observe walk over formality in favour of the hosts.
Surprisingly, the match officials refused to carry out the formality in contrast to the rule that was invoked on FC Ifeanyiubah last season for not showing up for their league match with MFM FC in Enugu.
Sunshine Stars on their part are demanding the right thing be done in line with with the rules and precedents.
“We should all be treated equally in the league and as such, three points, three goals should be awarded to us (Sunshine Stars). Though Wikki can decide to appeal such decision later for a possible replay like in the case of FC Ifeanuiuba vs. MFM. Refusing to carry out the walk over formality now look very harsh and unfair to us.
“We can’t be running a system where all animals are equal but some are more equal, this is not in the best interest of the league. The management will consider the option available and decide.” said a source that plead anonymity within Sunshine Stars.
