Uzoho, Anorthosis fined heavily over invalid medical certificate

Super Eagles goalie, Francis Uzoho has been fined and banned by Cyprus Football Association after pleading guilty to submission of an invalid medical certificate.

Uzoho was handed one-game ban and a fine of €1,000 while his club, Anorthosis Famagusta face a nine-point deduction after the Cyprus Football Association found the goalkeeper ineligible to have featured in a league game earlier this month.

In bid for game time, Uzoho joined the Cyprus giants on the last day of the winter transfer window and was immediately thrown into action by his new employers without the proper completion of his medical certificate.

Francis Uzoho kept a clean sheet in the game to help Anorthosis secure a 1-0 victory over Apollon who questioned the eligibility of the Nigerian.

Apollon argued that there was no way Uzoho would have secured the medical certificate after arriving the country when the country’s Sports Organisation had closed for the week.

After their investigation, the Cyprus Football Association upheld Apollon’s appeal and have punished Anorthosis for fielding an ineligible Uzoho.

“The COP announces the decision of the Athletic Judge Aristotle Vryonidis regarding the appeal of Apollon for his fight with Anorthosis for the 19th round of the Cyta Championship,” the CFA announced.

“The Athletic Judge decided to accept Apollo’s appeal, awarding the above match with a score of 3-0 in favour. Anorthosis also requires an extra 6 points from the first phase of the Cyta Championship.

“Footballer Francis Uzoho was sentenced to a match ban and a fine.”

It was gathered that Uzoho admitted to the Police that he was on plane to Cyprus when the medical certificate was prepared – meaning he didn’t undergo medical tests before the issuance.

The points deduction will move fifth-placed Anorthosis to the bottom half of the table that will see them fight against relegation with five other clubs in the bottom six.