Ekiti Queens referee fine: Club hit with ₦2.5m penalty and three-game home ban after home match chaos against Edo Queens

Ekiti Queens Football Club has been fined ₦2.5 million and ordered to play their next three home games at a neutral venue following incidents of fan unrest and unsafe pitch conditions during their home clash against Edo Queens.

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The Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) confirmed that the match, played at Ado-Ekiti, was marred by disturbances that endangered referee safety and disrupted the competition.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, described the incidents as a clear violation of league regulations, emphasising that referees are considered VIPs on the pitch and any threats or assaults would be met with strict sanctions.

An investigation revealed multiple breaches, including inadequate security, failure to control fans, and unsafe pitch conditions.

As a result, the NWFL announced that the club’s upcoming three home matches will be relocated to MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, as part of corrective measures.

Speaking to media, NWFL media officer Samuel Ahmadu stressed that all clubs must prioritise referee safety and maintain the integrity of matches.

Shabi further warned that assaults on match officials will not be tolerated, and the sanctions against Ekiti Queens should serve as a deterrent to other teams.

Ekiti Queens, however, have rejected the ruling, claiming the punishment is unjust.

The club argued that the league failed to properly review their petition, which highlighted what they described as poor officiating during the match.

They allege referee Aliyu Aminat and assistant referees Ogunronbi Ruth and Williams O. Veronica, along with match commissioner Olajide Caroline, made controversial decisions that affected the outcome, including the disallowance of a goal scored by Eunice Ezeani following a free-kick incident.

The club maintained that the unrest among fans was not instigated by them but stemmed from perceived unfair refereeing.

Ekiti Queens called for NWFL to thoroughly review video footage and address refereeing accountability to uphold transparency and fairness in the league.

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The NWFL has urged all clubs, state football associations, and match organisers to strengthen security measures ahead of the 2025/26 season to prevent similar incidents.