LMC Banish Sunshine Stars To Ijebu-Ode

Sunshine Stars of Akure have banished from their base in Akure to the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode by the League Management Company. The club's goalkeeper, David Ariyo, bagged a 12-match suspension. This was announced by LMC on their official website on Tuesday.

The decision by the LMC also included a total fine of N1m for various other rule breaches by the club. The decision to sanction Sunshine Stars was as a result of the unruly behaviour of their players, officials and fans in their 2-1 home loss to Plateau United in a matchday 23 Nigeria Professional Football League game in Akure, despite the game being played behind closed doors as a result of a previous sanction.

Sunshine Stars home games in Ijebu Ode will be also played behind closed doors until the LMC is satisfied that the club can guarantee security at their games and also control the unruly supporters.

A statement by the LMC on Tuesday reads: “In view of the breach of the ‘closed door’ order, and upon consideration of the provisions of Rule B4.7 (Overriding considerations and general public interest), an order is hereby made moving Sunshine Stars to the Otunba Dipo Dina, Stadium, Ijebu-Ode for its home matches henceforth and until further notice. You are in breach of Rule C9 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League, in that on Wednesday, 7th June, 2017, in the course of your Match Day 23 Fixture: Sunshine Stars FC vs Plateau United FC, you failed to control your players when they accosted the Assistant Referee and assaulted him. You are in breach of Rule C1.2.1.6 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League, in that on Wednesday, 7th June, 2017, in the course of your Matchday 23 Fixture: Sunshine Stars FC vs. Plateau United FC, you breached the order that your match be played behind closed doors when some spectators entered the stadium and also harassed match officials.”