Bendel Insurance Football Club have been hit with severe sanctions by the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) following a chaotic and violent incident after their Matchday 11 loss to Kano Pillars FC on Saturday, November 9.
The club has been found guilty of breaching multiple rules during the match, which saw them lose 1-0 to Kano Pillars, courtesy of a late goal by Rabiu Ali.
The NPFL charged Bendel Insurance with failing to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorized persons to enter restricted areas and attack match officials. The attack and intimidation of the referees – Adeniyi Adewale, Anuoluwapo Balogun, and Sodiq Sonibare – led to serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the game.
As a result of the club’s actions, Bendel Insurance has been hit with a deduction of 3 points and 3 goals from their current tally in the NPFL standings. The club will also face financial penalties totaling N4.25 million, including N2 million for the failure to maintain adequate security and for the misconduct of their supporters, and an additional N1 million fine for bringing the game into disrepute.
In addition, the club is required to pay a N250,000 fine for each of the assaulted match officials, totaling N750,000.
Further sanctions include a ban on fans for the next three home games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Bendel Insurance will play these fixtures behind closed doors, with no supporters allowed in attendance.
The club has been given 48 hours to appeal these sanctions, which are expected to send a strong message about the importance of maintaining proper conduct and security within the NPFL.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigerian football, with many calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of match officials and players. Bendel Insurance will now have to contend with the fallout from both the results on the pitch and the disciplinary consequences.
