THE Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Kwara United FC following serious breaches of the league’s framework and rules during their re-arranged Match Day 22 fixture against Rivers United.

The Ilorin-based club was found guilty of failing to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorised persons to gain access to restricted areas.

In line with NPFL regulations, Kwara United has been fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate security and N1 million for failing to control their supporters.

An additional N2 million fine was imposed for assaults on match officials and Rivers United officials, alongside N1 million for unsporting behaviour. The club will also pay N1 million for holding match officials and Rivers United staff hostage for several hours after the game, and N2 million as compensatory costs for treatment and damages.
Beyond financial penalties totalling N10 million, Kwara United will suffer a deduction of three points and three goals from their accrued tally.

The club has also been ordered to play its remaining home fixtures at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Meanwhile, officials of Kwara United FC have condemned the attack on match officials in the encounter that ended 1-1.  Violence erupted off the pitch moments after the final whistle, as unruly elements stormed restricted areas, and allegedly attacked top league officials, including the Chairman of Chairmen of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Chief Okey Kpalukwu, and officials of River United FC.

The incident now casts a dark cloud over the NPFL season, raising fresh concerns about crowd control, stadium security, and the growing tension surrounding high-stakes domestic fixtures.

Eyewitness accounts described the scenes as “serious” as security personnel struggled to contain the situation, with officials and members of the visiting delegation hurriedly escorted out.
What began as frustration over the match result quickly spiralled into a chaotic spectacle that overshadowed the league match itself.

The Ilorin-based side, which distanced itself from what it described as the actions of “irrational elements,” however, pledged to identify and bring the culprits to book.

“We deeply regret the distress caused to all parties involved and extend our sincere and unreserved apologies to Chief Okey Kpalukwu, the Rivers United delegation, match officials, security personnel, and innocent spectators affected by these deplorable events,” the Club said.