The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued severe sanctions against Rivers United’s rivals, El-Kanemi Warriors following multiple security breaches and supporter misconduct during their Matchday 34 fixture against Ikorodu City in Maiduguri.
The penalties, outlined in a summary jurisdiction notice, address violations of NPFL Frameworks and Rules, specifically Rules B13.52 (security obligations), C9 (conduct of supporters), and B13.18 (general breaches of league regulations). The sanctions encompass substantial fines, stadium closure, compensation payments, and mandatory security reforms, reflecting the league’s commitment to upholding safety and sportsmanship.
The incidents occurred before, during, and after the match in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors failed to maintain order, leading to chaotic scenes. Key violations include
– Unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas, resulting in harassment of match officials.
– Supporters throwing objects onto the field, disrupting play and endangering players and officials.
– Damage to Ikorodu City’s team vehicle caused by rowdy supporters, highlighting a failure in crowd control.
These actions prompted the NPFL to take swift disciplinary action to address the club’s lapses and deter future violations.
The NPFL has imposed a multi-faceted penalty package to penalize El-Kanemi Warriors and ensure corrective measures are implemented. The sanctions are as follows:
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1. Monetary Fines
N1,000,000 for failing to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorized persons to access restricted areas and harass match officials.
N1,000,000 for supporters throwing objects onto the field of play, a dangerous act that violated league safety protocols.
N1,000,000 for failing to ensure proper conduct of supporters, resulting in vandalism and damage to Ikorodu City’s team vehicle.
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2. Compensation Payment:
The club is ordered to pay N500,000 to Ikorodu City as compensation for the damage caused to their team vehicle by unruly supporters.
3. Stadium Closure:
El-Kanemi Warriors’ home stadium will be closed to fans for the remainder of the season, forcing the club to play home matches without spectator support. This measure aims to prevent further incidents and penalize the club for its inability to manage crowds effectively.
4. Mandatory Security Reforms:
The club must develop and submit a comprehensive matchday security framework and crowd control plan to the NPFL within seven working days of the notice. This plan must detail specific measures to enhance security, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure supporter compliance with league regulations. Failure to comply could lead to further penalties.
The incidents in Maiduguri also highlight broader challenges in Nigerian football, including inadequate crowd management and security at match venues. By imposing these sanctions, the NPFL aims to set a precedent for other clubs, reinforcing the importance of compliance with league regulations to foster a safe and professional environment.
