Nigerian Women Football League Quashes Appeal By First Mahi Babes FC
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The appeal lodged by First Mahi Babes FC concerning the result of Match 25 against Pelican Stars, held on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 has been quashed by the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL).
The decision to quash the appeal followed based on procedural grounds, as the club failed to properly notify and lodge the protest with the Match Commissioner before and after the match, in accordance with NWFL rules.
First Mahi Babes had filed a petition regarding the use of allegedly improperly cleared players by Pelican Stars, specifically naming players Ayah Theresa (Jersey No. 20) and Ruth Lawrence (Jersey No. 14). However, the Imo State based club did not follow the stipulated protocol outlined in the NWFL regulations.
According to Rule 15.12 of the NWFL, Protests from clubs arising from any match shall be forwarded in writing to the League within 24 hours after the match (Sundays and Public holidays exclusive), accompanied by a protest fee of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only (N250,000.00) for premiership and One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00) only for Championship while Rule 15.14 states that Written protests properly lodged with the Match Commissioner at the match venue and accompanied by appropriate protest fees shall be accepted by the League.
A statement signed by the Media Director, NWFL, Samuel Ahmadu, reitterates that the NWFL remains committed to upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring that all procedures are followed accordingly while urging that any future protests must be made in line with the league’s outlined guidelines to be considered.
