Wikki Tourists Fined N7.5m, Banished to Jos Over Crowd Trouble in NPFL Fixture

Wikki Tourists have been hit with multiple sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following crowd disturbances and security lapses during their fixture against Katsina United last Sunday.

The NPFL charged the Bauchi-based club for breaching its Framework and Rules after failing to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorized persons to gain access to restricted areas.

Supporters of Wikki were reported to have displayed unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute, throwing dangerous objects including stones at Katsina United players and match officials.

The league further noted that Wikki failed to control their supporters, leading to harassment, loss of items, and injuries sustained by match officials and an away team official. As a result, the club has been fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security.

Additional fines amounting to ₦1.5 million were imposed, covering ₦250,000 as compensatory cost for a referee’s lost whistle, ₦250,000 for medical expenses for the referee, and ₦500,000 each for medical treatment of an injured medical personnel and a Katsina United official.

Wikki were also fined ₦1 million for unsporting behaviour, another ₦1 million for throwing dangerous objects onto the pitch, and ₦2 million for holding match officials and the away team hostage for several hours after the game, which caused an 18-minute delay before play resumed.

In total, the sanctions amount to ₦7.5 million. Furthermore, Wikki’s home matches will now be played at the Jos Stadium indefinitely.

The NPFL has given the club 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal the decision.