NPFL Slams Heavy Sanctions On Bendel Insurance, Plateau Utd For Security Breach, Assault

Bendel Insurance and Plateau United have been charged for breaching the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) frameworks and rules during their Matchday 11 clash against Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers respectively.

According to the ruling, Bendel Insurance will forfeit three points and three goals for assault on match officials during their 1-0 home loss to Kano Pillars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

The NPFL announced the decision on their official X handler @NigeriaPFL yesterday after receiving the report it’s official for the game.

The Edo arsenal were also fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security as well as failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters during the game.

The Benin City club will pay another N1 million fine for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute and paying another fine of N250,000 each to the assaulted match officials, Adeniyi Adewale, Anuoluwapo Balogun and Sodiq Sonibare.

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

The league, in another ruling announced on their official X account –  @NigeriaPFL also yesterday, slammed heavy sanctions against Plateau United for failing to ensure adequate security, resulting in violence directed at match officials and opponent players during their Matchday 11 fixture against Rangers International on Sunday, November 10.

The sanctions includes playing their next three home matches behind closed doors at their New Jos Stadium ground, pay N1 million each for failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute, totalling another N2 million and

pay another fine of N500,000, being compensation of N250,000 each for the assaulted match official (Zakari Aminu) & Rangers player, Daniel Onyia.

According to the NPFL, the failure to control their supporters has “brought the game into disrepute,” violating the league’s frameworks and regulations.

The club also faced a substantial points and goals deduction, with three points and three goals removed from their season total.

In addition, Plateau United must also cover all costs associated with the repairs to the Rangers team bus and other verifiable damages incurred in the incident.

The league has given the club 48 hours to appeal these sanctions if they choose.