HEARTLAND RELEGATED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY

HEARTLAND RELEGATED FOR
FIRST TIME IN HISTORY
By okonkwo ozzy
The Naze Millionaires have been
confirmed for the second tier
following an abysmal season, with
their show of shame versus
Plateau United confirming their
demise
Heartland Football Club have suffered
their first relegation since the advent
of professional football in Nigeria.
The Owerri based side had endured a
torrid season boasting of 11 wins and
11 draws, but their relegation to the
Nigeria National League was sealed
following their appalling act against
Plateau United.
Victory against the Jos side plus a
defeat for MFM versus FC Ifeanyi
Ubah could have kept them in the
topflight, but the Naze Millionaires
abandoned the match after the
referee disallowed their goal for an
offside with scores still at 1-1.
Reviewing the abandoned game on
Thursday, the League Management
Company awarded the game in favour
of Plateau United while Heartland
were fined the sum of three million
naira.
“The League Management Company
following a review of reports and
video of the match issued separate
Summary Jurisdiction Notices to the
clubs,” LMC said in a statement.
“In the case against Heartland, the
LMC charged the club for breach of
B13.26 for failing to continue with the
match. The team is also fined N3
million and will forfeit three points
and three goals to Plateau United.
“For the breach, the LMC fined
Plateau United N1 million and both
clubs have 48 hours to submit to the
ruling or elect representatives to
appear before the commission if they
are not satisfied with the decision.”
Giwa FC, Ikorodu United and Warri
Wolves are the other teams to begin
life in the lower division next season.