NPFL slams N5.25m in fines on newly promoted Lagos club; 48-hour appeal window

By NewsNexus Sports Desk

Inter Lagos have been handed a major disciplinary sanction by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following alleged breaches of the league’s framework and regulations during their Matchday 7 fixture against Katsina United on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The newly promoted Lagos side have been fined a total of N5.25 million and will forfeit three accrued points and three goals following incidents involving match officials after the game.

According to the NPFL, Inter Lagos failed to provide adequate and effective security at their home ground, allowing unauthorised persons to gain access to restricted areas.

The league said the security lapse contributed to an attack on match officials as they made their way from the dressing room to their vehicle after the match.

The NPFL further accused the club of failing to ensure proper conduct among its officials and supporters, resulting in the match officials allegedly being held hostage for more than an hour after the final whistle.

The league also alleged that some Inter Lagos officials, together with supporters, intimidated, harassed and verbally abused the match officials in an incident it described as capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

Assistant referee injured

The disciplinary action was further escalated following an alleged assault on the match officials.

The NPFL stated that the club’s team manager, alongside some supporters, assaulted the officials, with the first assistant referee sustaining an injury to the face.

The assistant referee was also said to have lost personal belongings, including suffering damage to his mobile phone during the incident.

As part of the sanctions, Inter Lagos were fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security.

An additional N1 million fine was imposed over the alleged detention of the match officials for more than an hour.

The club was also fined N2 million for the alleged assault on the officials.

A further N250,000 was awarded as compensation to the affected assistant referee for the loss of personal items, damage to his mobile phone and medical treatment arising from the injury.

Three points and three goals deducted

Beyond the financial penalties, the most significant sporting sanction is the deduction of three points and three goals from Inter Lagos’ accrued tally.

The NPFL said the deduction was imposed for the assault on, and injury sustained by, the first assistant referee.

The decision could have a significant impact on the club’s position in the NPFL standings, particularly as Inter Lagos continue their first season in the top flight following promotion.

Club has 48 hours to appeal

Inter Lagos have been given 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.

The disciplinary decision comes at a time when the NPFL is increasingly emphasising discipline, match officials’ safety and proper conduct by clubs, players, officials and supporters.

For Inter Lagos, the immediate task will be to consider whether to accept the sanctions or challenge the findings through the league’s established appeal process.

The club has yet to publicly respond to the sanctions in the information available to NewsNexus.

NewsNexus will continue to follow developments, including any response or appeal by Inter Lagos.