2017 Aiteo Cup Champions, Akwa United on Friday won an appeal against FA Cup newbies, ALGON Boys FC for allegedly fielding a player on their payroll in the State FA/Aiteo Cup tourney leading to a protest by the three weeks old team at the Government House of Akwa Ibom State.
The Akwa Ibom State FA Cup has been characterised by an attack on a female referee, pitch encroachment and recently, a series of protest.
Yesterday, Akwa United protested their shocking 3-1 loss to ALGON FC on the grounds that one Emmanuel Imoh, a second choice goaltender of the opposing team was ineligible considering the fact he was remunerated by the Promise Keepers.
After a closed-door meeting convened by the local FA involving the management of both teams and football stakeholders in the State, Akwa United’s appeal was upheld as ALGON Boys FC were kicked out of the competition.
In the heat of the announcement, a conversation where the player agreed he wasn’t registered with the two time FA cup winners emerged.
“Now, see what’s up, when they accept that they signed me when they did not sign me, this is an opportunity for me now since they’ve done like this now.
“They are not even paying me the way they’re supposed to or like others. They didn’t even give me a license. There’s no agreement between me and them. I didn’t sign a contract with them,” the alleged ineligible Emmanuel Imoh said in a phone conversation.
ALGON Boys earlier today, took to the Government House to protest the FA’s decision but it looks like they’ll have to wait for another year to have a chance on continental glory and Akwa United have gone on to beat Palm Tigers 8-3 and are through to the finals of the state FA cup.
Reports have equally emerged that Nigeria National League side, Akwa Starlets who were defeated by Confine FC are protesting that one of their players was fielded by their opponents and are equally seeking for a redress.
Efforts are still been made by busybuddiesng.com to get payment vouchers confirming payments were made to Emmanuel Imoh by Akwa United.
