Warri Wolves have been sanctioned by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a security breach and the assault of a match official during their encounter against Kano Pillars on Sunday.
The league charged the Warri-based club with violating the NPFL Framework and Rules after failing to provide adequate security, which allowed unauthorised persons to gain access to restricted areas.
According to the disciplinary decision, a supporter of Warri Wolves assaulted the appointed match officials after the game, leaving the second assistant referee with an injury to his nose.
The incident reportedly caused the official to bleed, prompting the league to impose a series of disciplinary measures against the club.
Warri Wolves Fined ₦4.25 Million
As part of the sanctions, Warri Wolves have been fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during the match.
The club was handed an additional ₦2 million fine for the assault on the match official.
Warri Wolves must also pay ₦250,000 as compensation to the affected assistant referee to cover the cost of medical treatment for the injury sustained during the incident.
Three Points and Three Goals Deducted
In a major sporting penalty, the NPFL has ordered the deduction of three points and three goals from Warri Wolves’ accrued totals for assaulting and causing injury to the assistant referee.
The sanction could significantly affect the club’s position in the NPFL standings, depending on its current points tally and the results of competing teams.
The league has also ordered Warri Wolves to play their next three home matches behind closed doors as punishment for the incident.
NPFL Gives Warri Wolves Seven Days to Identify Assailant
Beyond the financial and sporting sanctions, the NPFL has directed Warri Wolves to identify the supporter responsible for the assault and provide evidence of the person’s prosecution within seven days.
The directive places responsibility on the club to demonstrate that appropriate action has been taken against the individual involved in the incident.
Warri Wolves have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.
The disciplinary action underscores the NPFL’s position on match-day security, the protection of match officials and the responsibility of clubs to prevent violence and unauthorised access to restricted areas.
The sanctions are expected to have both financial and sporting implications for Warri Wolves as the club continues its campaign in the 2026/2027 NPFL season.
