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Rivers United have dispelled talks that a deal has been
agreed with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to accept
whatever decision that emanates from the ongoing intervention on
the interpretation of the Points-Per-Game (PPG) verdict on the
2019/2020 football season.
Speaking during the inspection of the re-construction and
re-grassing work at the main bowl and football training pitches of
the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers
State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, insisted that reports
being circulated in the media do not reflect the true position of
what transpired at a virtual meeting with the NFF.
“Rivers United did not at any time agree with the NFF on
anything and that definitely is not what transpired at the
meeting.
“During the virtual meeting, there were lots of arguments on our
stand that we remain in the second position, which we rightfully
deserve,” Iyaye told reporters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
FIFA’s Intervention?
In a recent interview with Channels Sports, President
of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, confirmed there was
a virtual meeting where they discussed how to reach an
understanding.
Expressing his opinion on the issue, Pinnick advised Rivers
United to stop contesting the PPG verdict.
When asked if the Port Harcourt based club has a case, he
responded, “I don’t think so.
“In our last executive committee meeting, the issue came out. We
were meant to ratify the decision by the League Management because
they had already made their decision based on extensive
consultation and it’s in line with their rule book.
“But just for fairness, we decided at the executive committee
meeting that we should, again refer it to the football committee
headed by the first vice president and we gave them a mandate to
deliver a report in the next few days.”
And it is that fairness that the NFF president mentioned that
Rivers United wants.
The club management believes the PPG process was flawed and Mr
Iyaye confirmed they would keep fighting for justice.
He said, “We called on them to obey their own rules which guide
the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). We also talked
about how the LMC used an inconclusive head-to-head, which runs
contrary to the rules; we x-rayed the situation in other leagues
across the world in the realisation that FIFA and CAF do not
interfere in the domestic operations of its affiliates.”
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Providing more details from the virtual meeting, the NFF
president is optimistic they will reach an agreement.
“We had a very interesting session and we also agreed that after
all these consultations, especially with the football committee, if
you believe you have superior argument, then why not?” Pinnick
questioned.
He added, “I’ve also told them that if it means we write to FIFA
for advice which I’ve already done, with FIFA’s advice, the
football committee will look at it and we will harmonise all and
present a final verdict.
“The Commissioner of Sports in Rivers State confirmed the
credibility of what we are doing and whatever comes out, they will
accept. And that’s the spirit, if you believe our argument is
objectively superior, not subjectively superior, objectively and
scientifically proven, then we believe you should allow it to
fly.”
‘Our Position’
Channels Television reached out to the Rivers State
Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, and he refutes the comments of
the NFF president.
“All he said wasn’t true. We stated our position and he said he
will make further consultations and get back to us. We didn’t agree
to any decision. Those are tricks.
“We do not have a problem with the points-per-game model but it
should be implemented the right way. The NFF should respect article
2.9 of their rule book,” said the commissioner.
“Don’t make a decision to favour a particular party. We are
seeking justice. They should do the right thing. We are ready to
fight this to a logical conclusion,” he concluded.
Watch Video: NFF Insists Rivers United Have No Case On
PPG Verdict
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/08/20/rivers-united-nff-at-loggerheads-over-ppg-verdict/