The Imo State side was found culpable after failing to comply with their financial obligations with Okereke Mmaduabuchi Peter and goalkeeper Alfred Oluwasegun Fatunwase.

The players lodged a formal complaint to the League governing body on issues bordering on overdue payables and wrongful termination of contract totaling Nine Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand due to Okereke Mmaduabuchi Peter and the sum of Six million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira in a letter dated 5th November 2019.

After a thorough check and investigation by the LMC, it was established that Heartland breached the overdue payable rules as stipulated in Rule B9.45 of the Framework and rules guiding the Nigeria Professional Football League.

As well as breaching  Rule B9.45.1 which frowns at clubs failing to comply with financial obligations with players, Heartland also breached Rule B9.45.2, having delayed payments due to the player for more than thirty days.

In the verdict dated 17th February 2020 and signed by LMC’S Chief Operating Officer Salihu Abubakar, which is in line with Rule C15 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Heartland were ordered to pay Okereke Mmaduabuchi Peter a total sum of Eight Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira being salary arrears for June, July and August 2019 as well as compensation for wrongful termination of contract and Alfred Oluwasegun Fatunwase the sum of Five Million, four hundred thousand naira being salary arrears for June, July and August 2019 as well as compensation for wrongful termination of contract.

LMC also confirmed that Heartland will not be able to sign or register new players for the next two registration periods except they pay up the total sum of Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira due to these players before the transfer period.