Rivers United have been handed a suspended fine of ₦15 million, alongside a three-point and three-goal deduction, for preventing the live broadcast of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 11 fixture against Rangers International.
The match was scheduled for Sunday, November 1, but the club reportedly denied the League’s broadcast partners, Murphy Ben International (MBI), access to the stadium for live coverage.
In a letter signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, the League described the action as a serious breach of its rules and an interference with its broadcasting operations.
The NPFL said the club’s decision undermined the League’s commercial and broadcasting arrangements and damaged its reputation.
The League also referred Rivers United to Section B, Rules 6.22 and 6.23 of the NPFL Framework and Rules, which give the official broadcast rights holder unrestricted access to all League venues without prior notice.
Under Rule 6.23, clubs that violate the provision risk a fine of up to ₦15 million and the deduction of three points and three goals.
However, after considering the circumstances surrounding the incident, the NPFL issued Rivers United a final warning and suspended the sanctions.
This means the club will only face the ₦15 million fine and the deduction of three points and three goals if it commits another similar offence during the ongoing season.
The League warned Rivers United against repeating the action, stressing that access for official broadcast partners is a regulatory requirement and not a decision individual clubs can make.
