Rivers United Face Three-Point Deduction Over Broadcast Breach

Posted : 06 November 2026

Rivers United have been handed a final warning by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following their refusal to grant the league’s broadcast partners access to their stadium for the Matchday 11 fixture against Rangers International.

The league has placed a N15 million fine, alongside a three-point and three-goal deduction, on suspension, warning that the sanctions will take immediate effect if the club commits another similar offence during the ongoing season.

The disciplinary action followed the disruption of the live broadcast of the fixture scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, after Rivers United allegedly denied Murphy Ben International (MBI), the league's broadcast partner, access to the stadium.

In a summary jurisdiction decision communicated to the club, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, described the action as a serious violation of the league's established regulations.

Abdulrahman said the refusal to grant MBI access amounted to unacceptable interference with the league's broadcasting operations.

He added that the action undermined the NPFL's commercial and broadcasting arrangements while bringing its integrity and reputation into disrepute.

The league cited Sections B, Rules 6.22 and 6.23 of its Framework and Rules, which guarantee the exclusive and unfettered access of the league's broadcast rights owner to all match venues without prior notice.

According to the NPFL, Rule 6.23 provides for a fine of up to N15 million, alongside the deduction of three points and three goals from any club found guilty of obstructing broadcast operations.

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.

"In view of the seriousness of this incident, the League hereby issues Rivers United FC a formal and final warning and places the prescribed sanctions under suspension," the decision stated.

It further warned that any subsequent violation would trigger the suspended penalties, without prejudice to additional sanctions provided under the league's regulations.

The NPFL stressed that access for its broadcast partners was a regulatory obligation and not a privilege subject to the discretion of individual clubs.

It consequently cautioned Rivers United against obstructing, restricting or denying broadcast partners access to their stadiums, particularly for scheduled live matches.

The decision places Rivers United on notice that another breach could result in a significant points deduction, potentially affecting their position in the ongoing NPFL campaign.

Rivers United Face Three-Point Deduction Over Broadcast Breach

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