Heartland Queens were fined N1 million by the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) for attacking match officials during their home game against Remo Stars Ladies at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

The NWFL called the assault a major violation of the values of fair play and respect for match officials, and it denounced the conduct of both officials and club supporters.

According to NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi, the decision was made after a careful examination of the match officials’ report and investigation, which verified the rowdy conduct of club members during Match No. 92 in the 2024–2025 NWFL Premiership season.

“Any player or official who assaults a match official or any other person in the course of a match through physical, verbal, intimidation, or form of body language that are deemed offensive or against match officials are liable to a fine of N1m and possible banishment,” the NWFL COO stressed, citing Article 26.1 of its regulations.

The league authority also cautioned that such offences could result in a one-year suspension from the location of the assault.

Noting that the suspension is meant to act as a deterrence to future wrongdoing, the NWFL asked Heartland Queens to teach their officials and supporters the value of fair play and respect for match officials.

The fine coincides with the NWFL’s ongoing crackdown on misconduct and violence in the league, which strengthens its zero-tolerance stance for conduct that jeopardises the fairness of the game.