In a significant development in Nigerian football, Ikorodu City FC has been hit with multiple sanctions following serious security breaches during their Match Day 17 fixture against Remo Stars on December 15, 2024.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a summary jurisdiction notice outlining three major violations that occurred during the match. The most concerning incident involved unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas and confronting Remo Stars’ Coach, Mr. Sulaimon Kamil.
The sanctions handed down by the NPFL include hefty financial penalties totaling ₦3 million ($3,750 USD approximately). The breakdown includes:
- ₦1 million for security failures
- ₦1 million for field encroachment
- ₦1 million for failure to control team and supporter conduct
Perhaps most significantly, the club’s home ground, the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, will be closed to fans for the next two consecutive home games. This closure will likely have a substantial impact on both the team’s performance and their revenue.
The NPFL has also ordered an investigation to identify and prosecute those involved in the assault on Coach Kamil, with a progress report required within seven working days.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of stadium security and fan behavior in Nigerian football. The severity of the sanctions demonstrates the NPFL’s commitment to maintaining order and protecting all participants in the league.
Ikorodu City FC has been given 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or elect to face a disciplinary panel. Should they choose to appeal and their appeal is deemed frivolous, they could face additional penalties.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining proper security protocols and crowd control measures in professional football, as well as the serious consequences that can result from their breach.
