Nigerian Clubs sanctioned over poor conduct during league match

Two Nigerian clubs, Abia Warriors FC and Rangers FC, have received varying sanctions over the poor conduct of some of their officials in a Nigeria Premier league week ten fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

As announced by the league board, the two clubs have been charged for breaching NPFL framework and rules following the poor conduct of some of their officials in the course of their match on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Some Abia Warriors officials, in an aggressive manner, prevented the away team (Rangers) from gaining access to the pitch before the match, thereby leading to violent scenes capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Abia Warriors failed to provide adequate security for the away team before the match, resulting in a physical falling-out committed by some of their officials.

An Abia Warriors official prevented #NPFL24 official broadcast partner from recording a pre-match content, harassed the official broadcast partner’s media crew and seized the mobile device of StarTimes regional manager.

Abia Warriors have been ordered to identify and produce the official involved in the act of misconduct for additional sanctions.

A fine of N1 million has, thus, been imposed on Abia Warriors for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Abia Warriors have also been fined N1 million for failure to provide adequate and effective security.

A further fine of N2 million has been slammed on Abia Warriors for restraining #NPFL24 broadcast partners from recording.

Abia Warriors have been issued a warning against preventing visiting teams from accessing the field of play before any subsequent match.

Abia Warriors have also been warned that they would face heavier sanctions if similar act of misconduct recurs.

Abia Warriors have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.

For Rangers FC, their officials brought the game to disrepute following their violent reaction to provocation from the home team (Abia Warriors), which is an act of misconduct under NPFL rules.

A fine of N1 million has, thus, been imposed on Rangers for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

The Enugu club has also been warned that a recurrence of same act of misconduct will result in severer sanctions.

Rangers have also been ordered to identify and produce the officials involved in the act of misconduct for further sanctions and they have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal or accept the sanctions.