The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has sanctioned Bendel Insurance FC for serious breaches of league rules during their Matchday 11 game against Kano Pillars on Saturday, November 9.
The club failed to ensure adequate and effective security, resulting in unauthorized individuals accessing restricted areas and assaulting match officials, an incident that has cast a shadow over the league’s image.
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As a consequence, Bendel Insurance will face a deduction of three points and three goals from their accumulated league tally, marking a significant setback to their standing in the NPFL.
Additionally, the club has been fined N2 million for its failure to provide sufficient security and manage the behavior of its supporters effectively.
“Ensuring the safety of match officials and spectators is paramount to the integrity of the game,” stated the NPFL Disciplinary Committee.
“The league cannot tolerate incidents that endanger anyone involved, particularly when they stem from inadequate security measures.”
Beyond the N2 million security fines, Bendel Insurance has been ordered to pay N1 million for misconduct likely to tarnish the reputation of the league. Further, the club must compensate the assaulted match officials—Adeniyi Adewale, Anuoluwapo Balogun, and Sodiq Sonibare—with N250,000 each, totaling an additional N750,000.
In addition to these financial penalties, Bendel Insurance will be required to play its next three home games at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City behind closed doors, barring supporters from attendance.
This decision emphasizes the league’s stance against any breaches that jeopardize order and safety within the sport.
Bendel Insurance has been given 48 hours to appeal the sanctions. However, if upheld, the penalties will likely serve as a stark reminder to other NPFL clubs about the critical importance of security and decorum at league events.
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