Rangers International FC has been fined N5 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following multiple infractions during their Match Day 35 fixture against Enyimba International FC. The game, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, June 9, was abandoned due to a pitch invasion by fans.
In a letter dated June 10, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi detailed the breaches committed by Rangers during the incident-filled match.
The highly-anticipated game ended in chaos when, with the score still goalless deep into stoppage time, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side. This decision led to a pitch invasion by away fans, causing the match to be abandoned.
Rangers were found to have committed several violations, starting with over-ticketing the match, which caused overcrowding at the stadium—a breach of Rule B15.24, resulting in a N2 million fine.
Additionally, the club failed to provide adequate and effective security measures, violating Rule B13.52 and incurring a N1 million fine. Another N1 million fine was imposed for inadequate crowd control measures under Rule B13.52.1.
Rangers were also fined N1 million for failing to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing restricted areas, another breach of Rule B13.52.
In total, Rangers International FC faces a N5 million penalty for these infractions. The NPFL has mandated the club to implement more effective crowd control mechanisms in future home games.
Rangers have 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or opt for a disciplinary panel hearing. Non-compliance or a frivolous appeal may lead to further penalties, according to Rule E1 of the NPFL’s Frameworks and Rules.
