The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed down stiff sanctions to Kwara United following the crowd disturbances that disrupted their rescheduled Matchday 22 fixture against Rivers United in Ilorin.
In its disciplinary ruling, the league fined the Harmony Boys a total of N9 million, deducted three points and three goals from their tally, and ordered that they play their remaining home fixtures this season at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. The club has also been directed to identify supporters involved in the violence for arrest and prosecution. Kwara United have 48 hours to lodge an appeal.
According to the NPFL, the incidents during the February 18 encounter at the Kwara State Stadium amounted to multiple breaches of the league’s Framework and Rules. The organisers ruled that the club failed to guarantee adequate security arrangements, which allowed unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas.
The league further held Kwara United responsible for failing to control their supporters, leading to attacks on match officials and members of the Rivers United delegation. Reports indicated that some officials were assaulted and held within the stadium premises for hours after the final whistle, while others sustained injuries during the unrest.
A detailed breakdown of the penalties shows N2 million was imposed for inadequate security, N1 million for failure to control supporters, and N2 million for the assault on match and club officials. An additional N1 million was levied for unsporting conduct, N1 million for the unlawful detention of officials, and N2 million awarded as compensation for medical treatment and related damages.
Beyond the financial sanctions, the three-point and three-goal deduction could significantly affect Kwara United’s standing as the season approaches its decisive stretch.
The sanctions come on the heels of a public statement by Kwara United in which the club expressed regret over the disturbances and apologised to Rivers United, match officials and other affected parties. The Ilorin-based side pledged cooperation with authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The latest ruling underscores the NPFL’s renewed stance against fan violence, as the league moves to reinforce discipline and safeguard the integrity of domestic football.
