Nasarawa United Penalized N3m: NPFL’s Response to Match Official Assault
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed sanctions on Nasarawa United following incidents during their Matchday 18 fixture against Rivers United on December 22, 2024. The penalties include:
- Monetary Fines: A total of ₦3 million, broken down as follows:
- ₦1 million for pitch encroachment.
- ₦1 million for failing to ensure proper conduct of their team and supporters.
- ₦1 million for inadequate security measures.
- Points and Goals Deduction: A deduction of three points and three goals from their current league standings due to the assault on center referee Musibaudeen Ibrahim.
- Stadium Closure: The Lafia City Stadium will be closed to fans indefinitely until security is enhanced, including the barricading of the state box.
- Accountability Measures: Nasarawa United is required to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the assault, providing progress reports to the NPFL within seven working days.
These measures aim to uphold the integrity of the league and ensure the safety of all participants. Nasarawa United has 48 hours from the notice date to appeal the sanctions.
Additionally, former Rivers United media officer, Sammy Wejinya, who is now a media aide to the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, has been banned from all NPFL-related activities until the end of the season for spreading misleading information about the incident.