NPFL Hands Rivers United Suspended N15m Fine Over Blocked Match Broadcast

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a suspended fine of 15 million naira alongside a suspended deduction of three points and three goals against Rivers United, following an incident where the club prevented official television coverage of a league fixture.

According to an official summary jurisdiction ruling published by the league, the penalties stem from an incident on Sunday, November 1, during a Matchday 11 encounter against Rangers International. The NPFL stated that the club prevented its broadcast partner from accessing the stadium, leading to the disruption of the scheduled live coverage.

Details of the Disciplinary Decision

In a formal communication to the club, league official Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman explained that Rivers United denied stadium access to broadcast partner Murphy Ben International (MBI). The league determined that this action constituted an unacceptable interference with official broadcasting operations and breached established league standards.

The NPFL cited Section B, Rules 6.22 and 6.23 of its Framework and Rules, which mandate that the owner of league broadcast rights must be granted exclusive, unfettered entry to all match venues without needing prior notice. Under Rule 6.23, violations carry penalties of up to 15 million naira, alongside a three-point and three-goal deduction.

Why the Penalties Were Suspended

Rather than enforcing the penalties immediately, the league elected to suspend the sanctions after reviewing the underlying circumstances of the disruption. However, the ruling carries a strict condition: the 15 million naira fine and the deduction of three points and three goals will take effect immediately if Rivers United commits any similar infraction during the ongoing season.

The league stressed that the club’s conduct undermined commercial arrangements and damaged the competition’s reputation. Alongside the conditional penalties, the NPFL issued a formal final warning to the team’s leadership.

Mandatory Stadium Access for Broadcasters

The league emphasized that media access agreements are binding across the competition. In its ruling, the league management reiterated that admitting broadcast partners into venues is an absolute regulatory obligation rather than a matter left to the discretion or approval of individual host clubs.

Going forward, Rivers United must comply fully with all television and media rights regulations to avoid activating the heavy sporting and financial penalties.

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p class=”vbgf-source-note”>Source: Nigeria Premier Football League

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