2019 HiFL: Organisers Disqualify ESUT Explorers For Fielding Ineligible Player

The organisers of the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) say the Explorers, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), have been disqualified from their ongoing competition over misconduct.
Olufemi Olatunji, the league’s Media Officer, disclosed in a statement in Lagos on Thursday that the higher institution was disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.
“After an independent investigation into the first leg match of the semi-final pairing between the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Royals and the ESUT Explorers on Sept. 25 at the UNIBEN Sports Complex in Benin, we are forced to take action.
“The ESUT Explorers have been disqualified from the competition with immediate effect, and they will participate no further in the ongoing HiFL 2019 season for fielding an ineligible player,’’ he said.
Olatunji added that the UNICAL Malabites have been drafted to replace the Explorers in the light of the development.
“The UNICAL Malabites, being the most recent team to face the Explorers, and in the quarter-finals of the competition, have been cleared to face the UNIBEN Royals in the Super Four.
“The match will be a decider at a neutral place, where the winners will vie for the 2019 Champions trophy in the final match, with the losers competing in the third-place match, he said.
Olatunji further said the HiFL remained strongly committed to sustaining a fair and transparent league devoid of any form of malpractice.
“We strive to stimulate healthy rivalry among students across Nigeria in the unifying spirit of sportsmanship,’’ he said.