Rivers United risk a three-point and three-goal deduction if they deny the league’s broadcast partners access to their stadium again this season.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed Rivers United a suspended fine of ₦15 million, alongside a three-point and three-goal deduction, following the club’s disruption of the live broadcast of their Matchday 11 fixture against Rangers International.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 1, when the Port Harcourt-based club reportedly denied the league’s broadcast partners, Murphy Ben International (MBI), access to their stadium for the scheduled coverage of the encounter.
In a summary jurisdiction decision communicated to Rivers United, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Dr Ayo Abdulrahman described the action as a serious breach of the league’s broadcasting regulations and an unacceptable interference with its commercial operations.
According to Abdulrahman, the league received reports that the club had prevented its broadcast partners from accessing the venue for the fixture, despite the match having been advertised for live coverage.
He maintained that the action undermined the league’s broadcasting and commercial arrangements while bringing its integrity and reputation into disrepute.
The NPFL subsequently cited Sections B, Rules 6.22 and 6.23 of its Framework and Rules, which guarantee the league’s broadcast rights owner exclusive and unrestricted access to all league venues without prior notice.
Rule 6.23 provides for a fine of up to ₦15 million, alongside a deduction of three points and three goals from a club found guilty of violating the broadcast access regulations.
However, after considering the circumstances surrounding the incident, the league opted to suspend the prescribed sanctions while issuing Rivers United a formal and final warning.
The NPFL stated that the suspended penalties would take effect immediately if the club commits another breach of the relevant provisions during the ongoing season.
“Accordingly, the fine of ₦15,000,000.00 together with the deduction of three (3) points and three (3) goals from the Club’s accruable points and goals, is hereby suspended,” the decision stated.
The league further cautioned Rivers United against any attempt to obstruct, restrict or deny its broadcast partners access to the stadium, particularly for scheduled live matches.
It stressed that access for authorised broadcast partners is a regulatory requirement and not a matter subject to the discretion or approval of individual clubs.
The decision places Rivers United under strict disciplinary caution for the remainder of the campaign, with another violation potentially attracting the suspended financial and sporting sanctions, without prejudice to any additional punishment permitted under the NPFL Framework and Rules.
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