Rivers United receives suspended ₦15m fine for broadcast breach

Rivers United has been issued a suspended ₦15 million fine and a threatened deduction of three points and three goals following an alleged breach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) broadcasting regulations.

The incident reportedly occurred during a Matchday 11 home fixture against Rangers International, when the club allegedly denied Murphy Ben International (MBI), the league’s broadcast production partner, access to the stadium for live television coverage. NPFL Chief Operating Officer Dr Ayo Abdulrahman characterized the refusal as a serious breach that threatened the league’s commercial agreements and damaged the competition's reputation.

Under NPFL rules, broadcast rights holders are granted unrestricted access to all venues hosting fixtures without prior notice. While the league noted the severity of the disruption, it has suspended the sanctions as a final warning. The fine and point deductions will only be implemented if Rivers United commits another breach of broadcasting regulations during the current season.