The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a N5 million fine on Rangers International FC for multiple violations during their Match Day 35 fixture against Enyimba International FC. The match, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, June 9, ended in chaos due to fan interference.
In a letter dated June 10, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi outlined the breaches committed by Rangers during the contentious match. The game, which was abandoned during stoppage time, saw fans invading the pitch after the referee awarded a penalty to the home side, Rangers, while the score was still 0-0.
The letter highlighted that Rangers violated Rule B15.24 by over-ticketing the match, causing overcrowding in the stadium. This alone incurred a N2 million fine. Additionally, the club failed to provide adequate security, violating Rule B13.52 and resulting in a N1 million fine.
Rangers were also penalized under Rule B13.52.1 for insufficient crowd control measures, which added another N1 million to the fines. Furthermore, the club breached Rule B13.52 by allowing unauthorized persons access to restricted areas, leading to an additional N1 million fine.
In total, these infractions resulted in a N5 million fine for Rangers International FC. The NPFL has mandated that the club must implement more effective crowd control mechanisms in future home games.
Rangers have 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or request a hearing before a disciplinary panel. Any failure to comply or a frivolous appeal could result in further penalties under Rule E1 of the NPFL’s Frameworks and Rules.
