The NWFL has handed Ekiti Queens a ₦2.5 million fine and a three-home-match ban following the assault on match officials during their fixture against Edo Queens on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, www.aclsports.com reports.
Fans stormed onto the pitch at full time, throwing bottles and harassing the officials after Ekiti Queens’ defeat to Edo Queens at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, confirmed the disciplinary action on Thursday, describing the incident as a serious breach of the league’s safety and conduct regulations. She emphasised that the NWFL would not tolerate any act that threatens the welfare of referees or undermines the integrity of the competition.
“The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said. “The safety of referees is paramount. Violence, intimidation, or any behaviour that compromises the league’s integrity will attract the strongest possible sanctions.”
According to the league body, a preliminary review of match reports and video evidence found Ekiti Queens culpable of several violations, including failure to provide adequate security, inability to control supporters, and creating an unsafe environment that enabled the attack.
As a result, Ekiti Queens have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for the various infringements. The club has also been ordered to play their next three home matches at a neutral venue, the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Shabi reiterated that the sanctions are intended to serve as a deterrent to other clubs across the league. “The NWFL will continue to enforce strict standards to protect match officials and maintain order at all centres. An attack on a referee is an attack on the league itself,” she said.
The NWFL further appealed to home teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to strengthen their security measures as the 2025/2026 Premiership season intensifies.
