NPFL Slaps Rangers International FC with N5m Fine for Match Day Infractions

NPFL Slaps Rangers International FC with N5m Fine for Match Day Infractions

The Nigeria Premier Football League has levied a substantial N5 million penalty on Rangers International FC for a series of rule violations during their Match Day 35 fixture against Enyimba International FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, June 9.

In a letter dated June 10 and issued to Rangers by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league detailed several breaches of its regulations committed by Rangers during the contentious encounter.

The match, which had been highly anticipated, descended into chaos in Enugu as it approached its conclusion. With the scoreline still deadlocked in added time, the center referee, John Ojeleye, awarded a penalty to the home side. However, the away fans stormed the pitch in protest, leading to the game’s abandonment.

In its ruling delivered on Monday, the league highlighted a litany of transgressions by Rangers. Foremost among these infractions was the club’s violation of Rule B15.24, as it was discovered that Rangers had oversold tickets for the match, resulting in overcrowding at the stadium. This breach alone warranted a fine of N2 million.

Additionally, the club was found to have failed in providing adequate and effective security measures, contravening Rule B13.52, which drew a penalty of N1 million. Similarly, Rangers was cited for neglecting to implement sufficient crowd control measures, violating Rule B13.52.1, and incurring an additional fine of N1 million.

Moreover, the club breached Rule B13.52 by allowing unauthorized individuals access to restricted areas, leading to another fine of N1 million.

Consequently, the NPFL imposed a cumulative fine of N5 million on Rangers International FC for these various infractions.

In addition to the financial penalties, the league mandated Rangers to enhance their crowd control mechanisms for future home games.

Rangers have been given a 48-hour window to either accept the prescribed sanctions or opt for adjudication by a disciplinary panel. Failure to comply or lodging a frivolous appeal may result in further sanctions, pursuant to Rule E1 of the NPFL’s Frameworks and Rules.