Heartland FC have accepted the relegation verdict imposed on them by the League Management Company (LMC).
The Owerri-based side had failed to complete their final Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Plateau United in Jos.
A victory at the Rwam Pam Stadium would have certainly kept them in the Nigerian topflight irrespective of the outcome of their closest rivals.
However, the Naze Millionaires abandoned the encounter at 1-1 prompting a fine of N3 million and forfeiture of three points and three goals to their opponents.
In a letter dated October 11, General Manager of Heartland FC, Oscar Keke said the club had reconsidered their position in an October 7, 2016 letter rejecting the charge and decision of the LMC.
“Our earlier letter on the above dated October 7 refers. We have reconsidered our position and hereby submit to the board’s jurisdiction thereof,” part of the correspondence read.
The club further apologised for inconveniences their earlier position might have caused the league.
Heartland thus ended the season in 18th position with 36 points and stand relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) for the first time since the club was created.
