Warri Wolves have been handed severe disciplinary sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), including a ₦4.25 million financial penalty, a three-point deduction and a three-match home stadium ban following an assault on a match official during their league encounter against Kano Pillars on Sunday.
Sports247 reports that the sanctions followed security breaches at the match venue, where the club allegedly failed to provide adequate protection for match officials, resulting in an incident that left the second assistant referee injured and bleeding from the nose.
According to the NPFL disciplinary notice, Warri Wolves breached the league’s 2026/2027 Framework and Rules by failing to provide adequate and effective security during the encounter.
The security lapses reportedly allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas, exposing match officials to potential danger.
The situation escalated after the final whistle when a supporter of Warri Wolves allegedly assaulted the appointed match officials. The second assistant referee sustained an injury to his nose, resulting in bleeding.
The incident prompted the league organisers to impose multiple sanctions against the Delta State-based club.
Under the disciplinary measures announced by the NPFL, Warri Wolves have been fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security. An additional ₦2 million finr was imposed for the assault on the match official.
The club must also pay ₦250,000 as compensation to the injured assistant referee to cover medical treatment arising from the incident. Beyond the financial penalties, the NPFL ordered the deduction of three points and three goals from Warri Wolves’ accumulated league record.
The points deduction represents a significant sporting setback for the club as it seeks to maintain its competitive position in the ongoing campaign.
In another major disciplinary decision, Warri Wolves have been ordered to play their next three home fixtures behind closed doors. The restriction means supporters will be barred from attending those matches, depriving the team of home crowd support.
The NPFL also directed the club to identify and produce the individual responsible for assaulting the assistant referee. Warri Wolves must provide evidence of the individual’s prosecution within seven days, demonstrating that appropriate legal steps have been initiated.
Despite the severity of the sanctions, Warri Wolves retain the right to challenge the disciplinary decision.
The NPFL has granted the club 48 hours from the date of notification to lodge an appeal through the appropriate channels. The punishment reinforces the league’s determination to address violence against match officials and improve security standards at football venues across Nigeria.
With ₦4.25 million in financial sanctions, three points and three goals deducted, and three home matches ordered behind closed doors, Warri Wolves face serious sporting and financial consequences over the incident.
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