The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has overturned the N500,000 fine and two-year suspension earlier imposed on Campos FC by the Nationwide League One (NLO), pending a fresh and thorough investigation into alleged match-fixing.
The decision was announced by the NFF Disciplinary Committee, which reviewed a petition alleging that Campos FC manipulated the outcome of a league game in which they scored 15 goals against A&A FC.
Findings of the Committee
According to the committee’s findings:
1. The match-fixing allegation originated from claims that Campos FC’s 15-0 victory over A&A FC was suspicious.
2. The allegation was supported by an audio recording submitted by the NLO, in which an NLO official relayed a conversation with a third party. This third party claimed that some A&A FC players were heard grumbling about not receiving money allegedly promised to them for their role in the match.
3. Crucially, Campos FC was never invited to respond to the allegations or defend themselves during the NLO’s investigation.
The Committee stated that there was no direct or credible evidence linking Campos FC to any wrongdoing, and the claim was largely based on hearsay.
Decisions
In light of these findings, the Disciplinary Committee resolved as follows:
1. The suspension of Campos FC and the fine of ₦500,000 imposed by the NLO are hereby set aside due to lack of credible evidence and denial of fair hearing.
2. The NFF Integrity Unit has been directed to launch a comprehensive and independent investigation into the allegations, given the serious nature of match-fixing offences.
3. The current decision does not preclude the right of appeal by any aggrieved party.
The NFF reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigerian football and ensuring that all disciplinary actions follow due process.
 has overturned the N500,000 fine and two-year suspension earlier imposed on Campos FC by the NLO){kind=link}