By IJEOMA OKIGBO

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed a fine of N2.5 million on Ibom Angels FC for assault on players and officials of Bayelsa Queens.

The disciplinary action was taken following crowd disturbances and assault on the players and officials of the visiting club during a premiership fixture in Uyo on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by the NWFL Media Director, Sam Ahmadu on Thursday, the decision followed a review of match officials’ reports and video evidence from the encounter at the Uyo Township Stadium.

“Supporters of Ibom Angels were found to have encroached onto the field of play and attacked players and officials of Bayelsa Queens.

“This act, the league described as a serious violation of its regulatory framework and the principles of fair play.

“As a result, the NWFL fines Ibom Angels a total of N2.5 million for multiple breaches of its regulations,” it said.

It explained that the fine includes N1.5 million for contravening Article 26.1 relating to assault, intimidation and offensive conduct.

“Additional N1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate security,” NWFL said.

The league organisers also ordered Ibom Angels to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, in line with Article 16.4 of the NWFL regulations.

Commenting on the decision, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi, noted that the sanctions were necessary to protect the integrity of the league and ensure the safety of all participants.

“The safety of players, officials and match personnel is non-negotiable.

“What occurred in Uyo represents a serious breach of our regulations and the values of the NWFL.

“We will take stiffer actions against any club whose supporters engage in violence or conduct capable of bringing the league into disrepute,” Shabi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected fixtures, to be played without spectators, are Ibom Angels’ home games against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens, and Naija Ratels.

The NWFL further warned that failure to comply with the sanctions or a repeat of such incidents would attract severe penalties, including extended venue bans and severe disciplinary actions.

(NAN)

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