The Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KBFN) yesterday announced the suspension of  Lagos, Benue and Edo States for two years to enforce discipline in the sport.

The three states were suspended after they were found guilty of causing mayhem during the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos (Eko 2012).

Kickboxing was the only sport that was not concluded at the festival, following what the three states claimed as ‘unfair officiating’ during a match, resulting in a fracas.

Bisi Odubote, the KBFN’s Secretary, told Tidesports that suspension letters had been sent to the affected states, noting that the action was based on findings by the jury the Federation set up to look into the matter.

“What happened at the festival in kickboxing was unpleasant; there was a protest panel on ground to complain to but the states did not follow due process, which is unacceptable,’’ Odubote said.

Wilson Okon, a member of the technical board of the federation, also told Tidesports that the suspension would serve as lesson to other states in subsequent festivals and other national competitions.

Okon said that such disruptive approach was not good for the development of the sport, stressing that as a growing sport in the country, it needed disciplined players and officials to develop.

“This is a developing sport, and both the athletes and officials must be made to exhibit all forms of discipline in their approach, no matter the situation,’’ he said.

According to him, kickboxing has 34 contestable events in a competition, and therefore, requires a minimum of eight days to complete, including some days for players and officials to rest.