Election violence: FCT FA sacks coach caught with knife, suspends board member, another coach

The Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the FCT Football Association (FCT FA) has recommended severe sanctions for two coaches and a board member following incidents of violence and intimidation during the November 30 by-election.

Coach Luke Olaiya of Like-minds FC has been recommended for expulsion, while Meshach Olatunji, also of Like-minds FC, has been handed an indefinite suspension, reports Persecondnews.

Luke Olaiya was caught with a knife at the election venue, while Meshach Olatunji was also implicated in similar offences.

The sanctions stem from the coaches’ involvement in threats and violence during the by-election, which was held to fill the vacant position of 1st vice-chairman.

The coaches’ actions were deemed to be in contravention of the FCT FA’s code of conduct.

Babatunde Bucknor, a board member of the FCT FA and principal of the coaches, has also been recommended for indefinite suspension.

Bucknor, who contested and lost the by-election to Salihu Kolo, was accused of displaying unacceptable behaviour before and after the election.

The sanctions were recommended by the 5-man Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which was set up by the FCT FA to investigate the incidents.

The committee’s secretary, Jimmy Kadiri, a lawyer, noted that the sanctioned individuals failed to appear before the panel to defend themselves despite the opportunity given to do so.

The sanctions will be ratified by the FCT FA Board, and the individuals have the right to appeal.