IMO SWAN HAMMER FALLS ON KUN KHALIFAT FC.
-Cites insecurity.
By Innocent Osuoha
Raising from her recent Congress,(8/9/26)the Imo SWAN has resolved to boycott Kun Khalifat FC matches on account of unruly treatment of he members.
Part of the sanction includes boycotting all publicity and media activities involving Kun Khalifat FC until further notice.
The resolution condemned the treatment meted out to some members before Kun Khalifat FC’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday Two fixture against Barau FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, last Sunday, (September 6) where accredited Sports Journalists, who had arrived at the stadium to carry out their professional duties, were denied access to the venue allegedly on the directive of the club.
The resolution jointly signed by Comrades Cosmos Chukwuemeka and Tunde Liadi, Chairman and Secretary respectively, described as worrisome the response credited to the Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, who reportedly stated that the restriction was at the instance of the owner of Kun Khalifat FC.
Going further, "the safety of a Journalist attempting to access the Press stand is not guaranteed". An official of Kun Khalifat equally added.
The resolution said, "Imo SWAN considers the situation unacceptable and maintains that the safety of Journalists and other legitimate stakeholders must be guaranteed at every officially sanctioned football match".
The Body also believes that the Imo State FA, as the body responsible for football administration in the state, has a responsibility to ensure proper security and access arrangements at matches within its jurisdiction.
Imo SWAN then called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to investigate the incident and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent a recurrence.
However, Imo SWAN remains committed to the promotion and development of sports in the state but insists that sports Journalists must be treated with respect and allowed to carry out their legitimate duties without intimidation, harassment or threats to their safety.
The boycott will remain in force until the issues raised by the Congress were satisfactorily addressed.