Warri Wolves deny beating up assistant referee amid NPFL sanctions
Warri Wolves react after N6m NPFL fine over fan misconduct, security breaches
Warri Wolves Football club has issued a statement after the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) slammed it with the fine of N6 million following security breaches and fan misconduct during a recent league match.
The club was handed the fine after an investigation found the club guilty of failing to provide adequate security which led to unauthorised individuals accessing restricted areas during their Matchday 36 clash against Plateau United last weekend.
It was also established that the game was delayed at some point as supporters were also involved in unsporting behaviour and misconduct towards match officials.
The sanctions, announced on May 5, 2026, include:
•₦2 million fine for failing to provide adequate and effective security, allowing unauthorized access to restricted areas.
•₦1 million fine for unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
•₦3 million fine for gross misconduct towards match officials, which caused a 10-minute delay.
•Closed-door matches: The club is ordered to play their remaining home matches for the season behind closed doors.
Also, the club must identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators and submit evidence to the NPFL.
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While reacting to the fine imposed on the club by the NPFL, the club in a statement issued on Wednesday, strongly refuted circulating reports alleging that its supporters attacked and beat up an assistant referee and threatened match officials during the said game.
The statement issued by Prince Oghenechovwe Stafford, Media Officer, Warri Wolves FC, also described the claims as false, malicious, and entirely unfounded.
The statement reads, “Warri Wolves Football Club has strongly refuted circulating reports alleging that its supporters attacked and beat up an assistant referee and threatened match officials during the club’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL26) Matchweek 36 game against Plateau United played at the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro.
“The club categorically describes these claims as false, malicious, and entirely unfounded. At no point during or after the match were any match officials assaulted, harmed, or threatened. Furthermore, there is no credible evidence to support allegations of threats made toward officials at halftime or any stage of the game.
“Warri Wolves Football Club maintains a long-standing reputation for professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rules and officials of the game. Matchday operations at the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro were conducted under standard security protocols, with adequate personnel present to ensure the safety of players, match officials and supporters alike. No official report from match commissioner, security agencies, or governing bodies has substantiated these allegations.
“The club expresses concern over the deliberate spread of misinformation aimed at damaging its image and misleading the wider football community. Such narratives not only undermine the integrity of the sport but also put unnecessary scrutiny on clubs working hard to uphold fair play and sportsmanship.
“Warri Wolves Football Club calls on the public, media outlets, and stakeholders within the Nigeria Premier Football League to rely on verified information from official sources. The club remains fully open to any formal investigation and is confident that due process will further confirm the truth.
“Warri Wolves Football Club remains committed to the highest standards of conducts on and off the pitch and will continue to promote a safe, respectful, and competitive football environment.” The statement concluded.
