NWFL Fines Ekiti Queens N2.5m, Imposes 3-match Home Ban After Officials Assault

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ekiti Queens following the assault on match officials during their home match against Edo Queens in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday. The league described the incident as a severe violation of its safety and conduct regulations.

In a swift response yesterday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu issued an official statement detailing the disciplinary actions, warning that the league organisers would not tolerate any threat to the safety of referees or the integrity of its competitions.

Confirming the sanctions, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi condemned the attack and reiterated the league’s firm stance on safety and professionalism.

“The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said. “The NWFL wishes to reiterate that the safety of referees is paramount. Violence, intimidation, or any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the league will attract the strongest possible sanctions.”

This quote emphasises the NWFL’s zero-tolerance policy towards violence against officials, highlighting the importance of their safety and the integrity of the sport.

Following a preliminary review of official reports and video evidence, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of multiple breaches of league regulations, including failure to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, and allowing an unsafe environment that led to the attack on officials.

As punishment, Ekiti Queens have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million (approximately £2,500) for the various breaches. In addition, the NWFL also ordered the club to play their next three home matches at a neutral venue, the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

Shabi further stressed that the penalties serve as a deterrent to all clubs across the league.

“The NWFL will continue to enforce strict standards to protect match officials and maintain order at all centres. An attack on a referee is an attack on the league itself,” she said. “Clubs must ensure full compliance with our safety and conduct regulations.”

This statement underscores the NWFL’s commitment to upholding strict standards and ensuring that all clubs adhere to safety and conduct rules to protect match officials.