The Nigeria Premier Football League has imposed major disciplinary measures on Warri Wolves and Katsina United after security failures during Sunday’s NPFL27 matches, including a three-point deduction for Warri Wolves following an assault on a match official.
Key takeaways
- Warri Wolves have lost three league points and three goals from their season total.
- The Delta-based club must pay N4.25 million after a second assistant referee suffered a bleeding nose.
- Warri Wolves will stage their next three home fixtures without spectators.
- Katsina United received a N2 million penalty over security shortcomings and a pitch invasion.
- Each club has two working days, or 48 hours, to challenge the rulings.
Warri Wolves face points deduction and stadium restriction
Warri Wolves were sanctioned over incidents during their NPFL27 meeting with Kano Pillars on Sunday. The club was found guilty of security-related breaches after failing to put sufficient measures in place to keep unauthorised individuals out of restricted sections of the venue.
Following the final whistle, a Warri Wolves supporter attacked the match officials. The second assistant referee sustained a nose injury that left him bleeding.
The club received a N2 million fine for inadequate security arrangements and a further N2 million punishment for the assault. An additional N250,000 was imposed to cover the injured official’s medical expenses, taking the overall financial sanction to N4.25 million.
As well as the monetary penalty, Warri Wolves will have three points and three goals removed from their accumulated league record. Their next three home games must be played behind closed doors.
The club has also been instructed to identify the person responsible for the attack and hand that individual over, alongside proof that prosecution has begun, within seven days.
Katsina United punished over Plateau United match
Katsina United were separately disciplined for breaches committed in their Sunday fixture against Plateau United. The club were cited for insufficient security after unauthorised people gained access to restricted areas.
Supporters also entered the playing surface, creating a safety risk for both teams’ players and the match officials.
Katsina United were fined N1 million for the security failure and another N1 million for the supporters’ encroachment onto the pitch, resulting in a total sanction of N2 million.
Warri Wolves and Katsina United may lodge appeals against their respective punishments within 48 hours of being notified, equivalent to two working days.
