Match Disruption: NPFL Hammer Fall On Katsina, Gombe Utd, Tornadoes

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed out sanctions to Katsina United, Gombe United, and Niger Tornadoes for various breaches.

Katsina United were fined N1 million for violating the league’s dress code regulations. The club was found to have breached Rule C9 by failing to ensure the proper conduct of its officials, which resulted in the kit manager of the club attempting to harass Assistant Referee 1 during a match against Sporting Lagos.

In addition, their kits manager, Masudu Lawal, has received a one-year ban from all NPFL activities due to improper conduct.

Gombe United, on the other hand, were slammed with a total of N7 million fine and handed a one-match stadium ban for several breaches. These breaches include disturbances caused by fans throwing objects onto the field, disruptions to the live broadcast of the match, and failure to provide adequate security.

In a case arising from MatchDay 10 between Niger Tornadoes and Akwa United, the former was charged with breaching Rules B8.21, C9, and C1.1, for which they were fined N3.25 million, including compensatory payment to the centre referee.

The sanctions include a fine of N1 million for failure to provide adequate and effective security for match officials. Another fine of N1 million for failure to ensure the proper conduct of its officials (stewards and security personnel).
There was a third fine of M1 million for misconduct and a N250,000 compensatory payment to the referee (Ahmad Rabiu from Kano State) for losses resulting from the harassment. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium, the home ground of Niger Tornadoes, has been ordered closed to fans for their next three home fixtures.
All three clubs are free to submit to the decisions or elect to appear before a disciplinary commission for a review. They must communicate this in writing to the NPFL Legal and Compliance Unit within 48 hours