NPFL Board Sanctions Wikki Tourists

NPFL Board Sanctions Wikki Tourists

Sampson Adedeji

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Board has sanctioned Wikki Tourists for multiple violations of the NPFL Framework and Rules arising from incidents during their league clash with Katsina United last Sunday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Bauchi-based club was charged for failing to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas of the stadium.

 Supporters were also found guilty of unsporting conduct, including throwing dangerous objects such as stones onto the pitch, harassing match officials, and intimidating members of the visiting Katsina United team.

The disturbances resulted in injuries, medical expenses, and the loss of the referee’s whistle.

Wikki Tourists were fined ₦2 million for inadequate security. 

An additional ₦1.5 million was imposed to cover compensatory and medical costs, including ₦250,000 for the referee’s lost whistle, ₦250,000 for his medical treatment, and ₦500,000 each for injured medical personnel and a Katsina United official.

Further sanctions include a ₦1 million fine for conduct bringing the game into disrepute and another ₦1 million for throwing objects onto the pitch. 

The club was also separately fined ₦2 million for unlawfully detaining match officials and the away team after the match, an incident that caused an 18-minute delay.

In addition, Wikki Tourists have been ordered to play their home matches in Jos until further notice and have been given 48 hours to file an appeal against the rulings.