The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed Katsina United a series of heavy sanctions following their failure to maintain security and crowd control during their Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC on Saturday.
According to an official statement from the league body, Katsina United were found guilty of multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules. The offences stemmed from incidents during and after the match, which reportedly left Barau FC players and officials in danger.
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The club’s inability to provide adequate and effective security allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas, leading to disorder both on and off the pitch. Additionally, supporters of Katsina United were accused of harassing Barau FC players and match officials, a situation that escalated into violence as objects were thrown from the stands, resulting in injuries to several Barau FC players.
The NPFL described the supporters’ actions as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute” and moved swiftly to impose sanctions aimed at maintaining league integrity and player safety.
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As a result, Katsina United have been ordered to play all subsequent home matches at the New Jos Stadium behind closed doors. The club has also been fined a total of ₦3 million for throwing objects onto the pitch, failing to control supporters, and bringing the game into disrepute.
In addition, the league imposed a ₦2 million fine for the club’s failure to provide effective security, and another ₦4 million to cover medical expenses for injured Barau FC players, damages to the away team’s bus, and compensation for holding both the away team and match officials hostage for several hours after the game.
Altogether, the sanctions amount to a ₦9 million fine.
Katsina United have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the decision before the league’s disciplinary committee.
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The incident serves as another reminder of the NPFL’s growing insistence on professionalism, crowd control, and player safety as the league continues its effort to improve matchday standards and international reputation.
