Six clubs whose grounds were decertified from hosting Glo Premier League matches have been granted provisional approval by the League Management Company (LMC) to return to their grounds while further inspection would be carried out to ascertain the appropriateness of repairs done.
In a circular to the Clubs, the LMC listed the clubs that have been granted provisional approval to return to their home grounds as Giwa FC (Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos), Nasarawa United, (Lafia Township Stadium), FC Taraba (Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo), Heartland (Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri), FC IfeanyiUbah (Gabros Stadium, Nnewi) and Abia Warriors (Umuahia Township Stadium).
The clubs had their grounds decertified from Match Day 11 after they were inspected and adjudged not fit to host Glo Premier League matches. The clubs were directed to repair the observed defects and notify the LMC for further inspection.
The LMC in the circular said it has received and reviewed the preliminary reports from field inspections which shows that there has been appreciable level of improvement towards meeting the required standard required for top level league football. It further said: “Consequently, the following Clubs are hereby given the provisional approval and option to use their home venues for a trial period in the next four matches”.
The circular signed by the LMC Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar informed the affected clubs that final inspection will be carried out on each stadium during match days to determine the correctness of the repairs on the pitches and compliance to continue to host matches.
“Those we find to have met requirements for certification will be approved to continue hosting matches for the rest of the season while any venue found not to have complied to standard will be decertified indefinitely and the club will return to the alternative venue from Match Day 24”, the LMC declared in the circular.
It further stated that the listed clubs can exercise the option of continuing to play their home games at their adopted grounds if they so desire, but must confirm such decision in writing to the LMC before close of business on Friday, July 31.