Euromatch NPFL: Ranchers Bees hit with ₦5m fine for rules violations

Ranchers Bees have been fined a total of N5 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, following multiple breaches recorded during their Matchday 6 fixture against Rivers United.

The club has also been ordered to identify the player captured on video physically assaulting a Rivers United player during the encounter.

The identity of the player is to be disclosed by Thursday, October 1, for further disciplinary action.

The sanctions were contained in the NPFL’s Summary Jurisdiction decisions issued after the match and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ayo Abdulrahman, on September 29.

According to the decision, Ranchers Bees were found to have violated Rules B13.52, C1.1 and C9 of the NPFL Frameworks and Rules.

The club was fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security at the match, resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas of the stadium, contrary to Rule B13.52.

Ranchers Bees were further fined N1 million for breaching Rule C1.1 after failing to restrain some of their players and bench officials who intimidated, threatened and harassed the appointed match officials on the field of play. The league said the conduct was capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

Another N1 million fine was imposed on the club for failing to ensure the proper conduct of its supporters, who allegedly attempted to attack the match officials, in violation of Rule C9.

The final N1 million sanction was imposed over the club’s failure to prevent the match officials from being held hostage after the game.

The NPFL also directed Ranchers Bees, pursuant to Rule C26 of its Frameworks and Rules, to either accept the sanctions imposed under the Summary Jurisdiction or elect, in writing, to have the matter referred to a Disciplinary Panel.

The club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to make its decision, while the fines are to be paid within seven working days after the expiration of the appeal period.