NFF Reduces Remo Stars Home Ground Ban To Five Matches After Appeal

NFF Reduces Remo Stars Home Ground Ban To Five Matches After Appeal
Financial penalties over crowd violence remain unchanged.
Club battles relegation with poor recent league form.

The Nigeria Football Federation has reduced Remo Stars’ home ground ban to five matches following the club’s appeal against sanctions imposed by the Nigeria Premier Football League over crowd disturbances during their match against Ikorodu City.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement released on Friday after a disciplinary committee meeting held erlier in the week, the federation confirmed that while the financial penalties handed down by the NPFL would remain, the directive barring Remo Stars from playing home matches at Ikenne for the rest of the season had been reviewed.

The committee ruled that Remo Stars failed to provide adequate and effective security during the January 14 encounter, which degenerated into chaos after the final whistle. Supporters of the home side were found to have attacked Ikorodu City fans with dangerous objects, resulting in injuries and damage to the visiting team’s bus.

Investigations also revealed that missiles were thrown onto the pitch during the game, leading to two stoppages. The panel concluded that the conduct of the crowd was capable of bringing the league into disrepute.

As a result, the committee upheld a ₦2 million fine for inadequate security and an additional ₦1 million fine for throwing objects onto the field of play. A further ₦2 million fine, imposed as compensation for injuries sustained by away supporters and damage to Ikorodu City’s team bus, was also maintained.

However, the venue sanction was reduced. The committee ruled that the order requiring all remaining home fixtures to be played at the Lekan Salami Stadium would now apply to only five matches, running concurrently from the date of the sanction. The federation added that the ruling was without prejudice to Remo Stars’ right to pursue further appeals.

The original sanction was issued by the NPFL on January 22 following incidents during matchday 20. With eight home games left this season, Remo Stars will now play four matches at their Ikenne base after completing the five match ban.

On the pitch, the club remains under pressure, sitting 17th on the NPFL table with 27 points and occupying the final relegation spot after just one win in their last seven matches.