NPFL sanctions Wikki Tourists with heavy fines and stadium ban after Katsina United clash

Wikki Tourists have been slammed with heavy sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following serious security and conduct breaches during their league clash against Katsina United last Sunday.The league found the Bauchi-based club guilty of failing to provide adequate security at the match venue, a lapse that allowed unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas of the stadium. According to the NPFL, this constituted a clear violation of league regulations meant to safeguard players, officials and the integrity of the competition.The situation reportedly escalated during the game as supporters of Wikki Tourists engaged in unruly conduct, including throwing stones and other dangerous objects onto the pitch. The actions endangered Katsina United players and match officials and were deemed capable of bringing the game into disrepute.The league further confirmed that the club failed to properly control its supporters, resulting in harassment and injuries to match officials and an official of the visiting team. Reports also indicated that match officials and members of the away team were held inside the stadium for several hours after the final whistle, and the match experienced an 18-minute delay before it could resume at one point.As part of the sanctions, the NPFL imposed multiple fines, including 2 million for failure to provide adequate security and 1.5 million covering compensatory and medical costs. Additional fines were issued for unsporting behaviour, throwing dangerous objects, and the post-match detention of officials and the visiting team.Beyond the financial penalties, the league ordered that Wikki Tourists will no longer play their home matches in Bauchi. All future home fixtures have been relocated indefinitely to Jos Stadium in Plateau State.The club has been given 48 hours from the date of notification to file an appeal against the sanctions. The ruling underscores the NPFLs renewed emphasis on enforcing stricter security standards, professionalism and matchday discipline amid ongoing concerns about fan behaviour and safety in Nigerian football.The post NPFL sanctions Wikki Tourists with heavy fines and stadium ban after Katsina United clash appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.