Jaguar FC Wins Appeal as NFF Nullifies Disciplinary Ruling Over Forged Match Report

Posted : 26 July 2026

Jaguar FC has secured a major legal victory after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee overturned significant parts of the Disciplinary Committee's ruling in its dispute with Abakaliki Feeders FC over a Nationwide League One (NLO) fixture.

In its decision delivered in Abuja on July 24, 2026, the Appeals Committee held that the earlier verdict was based on a forged Match Commissioner's Report, which compromised the integrity of the disciplinary process.

The case stemmed from Jaguar FC's appeal against the NFF Disciplinary Committee's decision arising from its May 26, 2026, NLO match against Abakaliki Feeders FC in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

A central issue during the appeal was the authenticity of the Match Commissioner's Report that had served as a key piece of evidence before the Disciplinary Committee.

According to the Committee, the individual identified as the Match Commissioner testified that he neither served in that capacity during the match nor prepared or submitted the report presented as evidence. He also stated that he had never been informed of any appointment for the fixture.

The Appeals Committee noted that the testimony went unchallenged and concluded that the report relied upon by the Disciplinary Committee had been forged and fraudulently introduced into the proceedings.

It ruled that the concealment of material facts misled the Disciplinary Committee and resulted in findings that were founded on fraudulent evidence.

Consequently, the Committee held that Abakaliki Feeders FC breached Article 4:13(1) of the Nationwide League One Rules and Regulations (Amended Version, 2026) by presenting and/or benefiting from the forged Match Commissioner's Report.

The Committee described the action as a serious violation of the principles of fairness, integrity, and good faith that govern football administration and disciplinary proceedings.

While upholding Decision One of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, the Appeals Committee set aside Decisions Two and Three and affirmed the original ruling of the Nationwide League One.

It also declared that the sanctions prescribed under Article 4:13(1) of the NLO Regulations should apply to Abakaliki Feeders FC.

The Appeals Committee ruled that Jaguar FC's appeal succeeded in its entirety and further directed the NFF Secretariat to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged forgery and fraudulent representations associated with the case.

It urged the Federation to identify and sanction any individuals found culpable, stressing that the ruling is final and binding under Article 70 of the NFF Statutes (2010), with no further appeal permitted.

The ruling reinforces the NFF's commitment to protecting the integrity of its disciplinary processes and ensuring that football competitions are administered fairly. The outcome is also expected to serve as a strong deterrent against the submission of fraudulent evidence in future proceedings.

Jaguar FC Wins Appeal as NFF Nullifies Disciplinary Ruling Over Forged Match Report

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics