In a significant turn of events, the two-year ban imposed on Lagos State-based NNL side, Smart City Football Club, has been reduced following an appeal and request for leniency.
This decision comes after the club’s management, led by Club Secretary Wale Afolayan, Team Manager Adebiyi Ojo, and Alhaji Kamaldeen Olawoye, made a heartfelt plea to the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Disciplinary Committee. At a recent sitting held on Monday, March 2nd, 2025, at the Surulere Secretariat of the LSFA, with the Vice Chairman Adedotun Coker and other committee members in full attendance, the committee heard the club’s plea for leniency.
In their deliberations, the committee weighed the merits and demerits of the club’s conduct and ultimately decided to reduce the sanctions imposed, primarily due to the club’s efforts to protect the well-being and future of its players and the strong actions taken to rectify the situation. The disciplinary committee made it clear that their decision to reduce the sanctions was influenced by factors such as:
- The Player Interest at the Forefront
The committee emphasized that the reduction in sanctions was motivated by the devastating impact the ban would have had on the careers of the players, who were largely unaffected by the incident. Their future prospects, both individually and as a team, played a key role in the decision.
- Swift Action Against Perpetrators
The club’s prompt and responsible response to the violent incident, where a football fan caused disruption, also played a significant role in the reduction of sanctions. Smart City FC took swift action by apprehending the individual responsible and handing them over to the Nigerian Police for prosecution. This proactive measure demonstrated the club’s commitment to ensuring that such events are never repeated.
As a result of these deliberations, the following decisions were made:
Reduced Ban: The ban on Smart City FC has been reduced from two years to one year, starting with a three-month ban from March to June 2025. Additionally, the team will be excluded from participating in the Lagos State President Federation Cup for the 2025/2026 season.
Financial Sanctions Reduced: The financial penalty previously set at N6 million has now been halved to N3 million, easing the financial burden on the club.
Ban on LSFA-sanctioned competitions: While the ban on participation in LSFA-sanctioned football competitions remains, the reduction in sanctions signals an opportunity for Smart City FC to return to the competitive fold in the future, contingent on their adherence to the guidelines set forth.
Apology to Referees Council: As part of the agreement, Smart City FC is required to issue a formal apology to the Lagos State Football Referees Council, assuring them that such an incident will never occur again and vowing to promote respect for referees and officials in all future encounters.
This decision from the LSFA marks a pivotal moment for Smart City FC, one that allows the club to rebuild its reputation, restore trust within the football community, and most importantly, safeguard the careers and well-being of its players.
With the reduced sanctions, Smart City FC now has the chance to show their commitment to upholding the values of fair play, discipline, and respect—qualities that are essential for the growth of football in Lagos and beyond.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Smart City FC—a chapter that seeks to restore honor, build bridges, and foster a culture of integrity within the world of Lagos football.
