Remo Stars’ Home Match Ban Reduced to Five Games by NFF Following Appeal

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has shortened Remo Stars’ home stadium ban to five matches after the club successfully appealed sanctions imposed by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over crowd disturbances during their clash with Ikorodu City.

In a statement issued on Friday, following a disciplinary committee meeting earlier this week, the federation confirmed that while most financial penalties remain, the original mandate requiring the club to play all remaining home fixtures away from Ikenne has been revised.

Crowd Trouble During January 14 Fixture

The committee found that Remo Stars failed to provide adequate and effective security during the January 14 match, which erupted into chaos after the final whistle. Investigations revealed that supporters attacked visiting fans using dangerous objects, resulting in injuries and damage to the Ikorodu City team bus.

Additionally, objects thrown onto the pitch caused two stoppages, and the behavior of the crowd was deemed capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

Financial Penalties Maintained

The disciplinary panel upheld the following fines:

₦2 million for inadequate security
₦1 million for throwing objects onto the field
₦2 million as compensation for injuries to away supporters and damage to the visiting team’s bus

Home Venue Ban Reduced

However, the stadium sanction was eased. The committee stated:

“An order that all subsequent home fixtures of Remo Stars FC for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season be played in the Lekan Salami Stadium is hereby reduced to a five-match ban, to run concurrently from the date of the sanction.”

The NFF clarified that this ruling does not affect the club’s right to further appeal.

The initial punishment was handed down by the NPFL on January 22 following the matchday 20 incidents.

Implications for Remo Stars’ Season

With eight home matches remaining, the Sky Blue Stars will now play four games back at their Ikenne base. The sanction has already started, with the match against Kun Khalifat in Ibadan on matchday 23 marking the first.

Upcoming fixtures against Plateau United, Abia Warriors, and Katsina United will be played at Lekan Salami Stadium, with the encounter versus Nasarawa United completing the five-match ban by mid-March. Afterward, Remo Stars are set to return to Ikenne for games against Kwara United, Shooting Stars, Niger Tornadoes, and Bayelsa United on matchday 37.

Relegation Battle Intensifies

On the field, Remo Stars remain in a precarious position. The club sits 17th in the NPFL table with 27 points, occupying the final relegation spot, having recorded only one win in their last seven matches.