EuroMatch NPFL: Ranchers Bees Hit With ₦5m Fine as Sporting Lagos Coach Jeffery Buter Summoned

Ranchers Bees FC have been hit with a combined ₦5 million fine by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over breaches arising from their Matchday 6 fixture against Rivers United, while Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffery Buter has been summoned by the league following comments made after his side’s derby against Ikorodu City.

The sanctions against Ranchers Bees were contained in a summary jurisdiction notice signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman.

The Kaduna-based club was fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security, which allegedly allowed unauthorised persons into restricted areas, contrary to Rule B13.52.

A further ₦1 million fine was imposed for failing to control players and bench officials accused of intimidating match officials under Rule C1.1.

Ranchers Bees were also fined ₦1 million for failing to control supporters who allegedly attempted to attack match officials, while another ₦1 million sanction was imposed over the alleged holding of match officials hostage after the final whistle.

The total financial penalty therefore stands at ₦5 million.

The NPFL has additionally directed Ranchers Bees to identify, from video evidence, a player alleged to have assaulted a Rivers United player, with the club required to provide the player’s identity for further disciplinary action.

The club has 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or appeal to the NPFL Disciplinary Panel. Where applicable, fines are expected to be paid within seven working days after the expiration of the appeal window.

Buter Summoned Over Euromatch and Officiating Comments

Meanwhile, Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffery Buter has been invited to appear before the NPFL in Abuja over comments he made concerning the EuroMatch competition and match officiating following his team’s South West and Lagos derby against Ikorodu City.

Buter is expected to report to the league authorities next week to answer questions regarding the remarks.

The summons adds another disciplinary matter to an increasingly eventful Matchday 6 period, as the NPFL continues to enforce its regulations on club conduct, match-day security and comments concerning league administration and officiating.