Toba Owojaiye
Benin, Edo State
In a shocking development during the HOS Cup 2023, the Organizing and Disciplinary (O&D) committee, headed by FIFA official Faith Irabor, has ousted the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources from the competition. The decision follows a protest filed by Edsogpadec, accusing their rivals of misconduct during a contentious match on November 17th, 2023, at the Western Boys High School Mini Stadium in Ikpoba Hill.
The O&D committee, consisting of Harrison Iyonmana, Elder Emmanuel Ajibola, Oghosa Ogbewi, and Fred Newton, convened on November 20th to scrutinize the allegations. TruthLive News reveals that the core of the dispute revolved around the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources fielding players who failed to meet the criteria of being civil or public servants, violating article 4b and c of the HOS Cup 2023 regulations.
After careful consideration, the committee sided with Edsogpadec, awarding them a 6-0 victory and officially disqualifying the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This decision casts a shadow over the college’s earlier triumphs.
Following the disqualification, Edsogpadec now has the opportunity to face the Ministry of Health in a match scheduled for November 21st, 2023, at the Western Boys High School Mini Stadium in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, beginning at 3 pm.
The victor in the clash between Edsogpadec and the Ministry of Health will advance to the second round, challenging the formidable Government House Team at 2 pm on November 22nd, 2023. Simultaneously, the second match of the day will witness a tense competition between the Procurement Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at 4 pm.