The NPFL has handed Warri Wolves a three-point deduction and fined the club ₦4.25 million following a security breach and the assault of a match official during their clash with Kano Pillars.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) also fined Katsina United ₦2 million over security failures during their match against Plateau United. Both clubs violated provisions of the NPFL27 Framework and Rules during their respective fixtures on Sunday.
Warri Wolves face additional sanctions, including playing their next three home matches behind closed doors. The league also ordered the club to identify the supporter who attacked the officials and provide evidence of the individual’s prosecution within seven days.
Warri Wolves Face NPFL Points Deduction
The league punished Warri Wolves for failing to provide adequate security during the match against Kano Pillars. The breach allowed unauthorised people to enter restricted areas.
The situation escalated after the game when a supporter assaulted the appointed match officials. The incident left the second assistant referee with a bleeding nose.
The NPFL imposed three separate financial penalties on the club:
- ₦2 million for inadequate security.
- ₦2 million for the assault on a match official.
- ₦250,000 to cover the injured assistant referee’s medical expenses.
The total fine stands at ₦4.25 million. Warri Wolves will also lose three points and three goals from their accumulated league tally.
The club must play its next three home fixtures behind closed doors. It must also identify the person responsible for the assault and submit evidence of prosecution within seven days.
Katsina United Fined ₦2m for Security Breaches
Katsina United also received punishment after their match against Plateau United on Sunday.
The NPFL found that the club failed to provide sufficient security, allowing unauthorised individuals into restricted areas. Supporters also encroached onto the pitch, putting players and match officials at risk.
The league imposed a ₦1 million fine for inadequate security and another ₦1 million for the pitch encroachment.
The two penalties bring Katsina United’s total fine to ₦2 million.
Clubs Have 48 Hours to Appeal NPFL Sanctions
Both Warri Wolves and Katsina United have 48 hours, equivalent to two working days from notification, to appeal the decisions.
The sanctions underline the league’s rules on club responsibility for matchday security and the protection of players, officials and other participants.
Warri Wolves face the more severe punishment, with the points deduction potentially affecting their league position alongside the financial penalty and restrictions on home attendance.