The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Abia Warriors and Katsina United a combined ₦5.2 million over security breaches and misconduct during their respective home fixtures.
The league announced the sanctions following incidents recorded during the clubs’ Matchday 10 encounters against Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United.
Abia Warriors fined ₦3.2m
Abia Warriors were sanctioned for failing to provide adequate security as agreed at the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their clash with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also accused of allowing an official to harass a member of the league’s broadcast partner’s crew while attempting to disrupt the live transmission of the match.
The NPFL imposed a ₦3.2 million fine on the club over the breaches.
In addition, the club’s multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, was suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches over his involvement in the incident.
The sanctions followed Abia Warriors’ 1–0 home defeat to Niger Tornadoes on Sunday.
Katsina United fined ₦2m
Katsina United were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The league also faulted the club for allowing supporters to encroach onto the pitch, raising concerns about the safety of players, officials and other participants.
The Katsina-based side played out a 2–2 draw against Plateau United in the encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Clubs given opportunity to appeal
The NPFL stated that both clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal the sanctions.
The disciplinary measures form part of the league’s ongoing efforts to improve matchday security, protect broadcast personnel and ensure acceptable conduct at stadiums across the country.
The league has continued to warn clubs that failures to control supporters and provide adequate security could attract further sanctions.
