IFA Issues Strong Warning, Mulls Sanctions Over Team Lateness

The Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2025 Izzi Football Super League, Mr. George Iboko, has warned that any team that fails to keep to the approved match time will face strict sanctions in line with the rules of the Izzi Football Association (IFA).

He gave the warning while assuring participants and supporters of a transparent and well-organized tournament. Mr. Iboko, who spoke with journalists in Abakaliki, said the association is making significant progress, noting that all participating teams had successfully played their first-quarter matches.

The LOC chairman recalled that the 2025 edition of the Izzi Football Super League was officially flagged off on November 16, 2025, by the Governor of Ebonyi State, RT Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila. According to him, the tournament has been peaceful and orderly so far, although a few challenges have been recorded, including the failure of some teams to clear their designated fields and the late arrival of players for scheduled matches.

He cautioned teams to take match timing seriously and adhere strictly to IFA rules to avoid penalties, emphasizing the association’s commitment to fairness. “Our matches start by 3 p.m. and end by 5 p.m. We want every team to play according to our rules,” he said. Iboko further revealed that the competition has been divided into three groups, with Mbeke leading Group A, Ebiya topping Group B, and Abakaliki taking the lead in Group C.