Kun Khalifat FC Withdraws from NPFL Over Sanctions

Nigerian football premier league side, Kun Khalifat FC, which is one of the few privately run teams in the country’s elite division has announced its immediate withdrawal from the top division League, citing what it described as unfair and disproportionate sanctions imposed on the club by league authorities.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday, the club’s owner, Kun Khalifat, expressed disappointment and frustration over penalties handed down for failing to honour a single league fixture.

According to the statement, the sanctions included the forfeiture of three points and three goals, as well as a fine of ₦10 million.

The club said it had provided what it considered valid reasons for its inability to fulfil the fixture, but claimed these explanations were rejected by the league.

“This punishment is not only unacceptable but a clear indication that the league’s management is more interested in penalising clubs than fostering growth and development,” the statement read.

Kun Khalifat FC accused the Nigeria Professional Football League of bias and a lack of transparency in its decision-making process, arguing that the ruling showed little regard for the operational and financial challenges faced by clubs across the country.

The club also stated that it had consistently sought to comply with league regulations and had invested heavily in team development and infrastructure, but felt those efforts were being undermined.

“As a club, we have always strived to comply with the league’s rules and regulations and have made significant investments in our team and infrastructure,” the statement added. “It is disheartening to see our efforts undermined by an organisation that seems to prioritise punishment over fairness and justice.”

Describing the decision as unavoidable, the club said it could no longer remain part of a system that, in its view, places revenue above development and the welfare of its member clubs.

Kun Khalifat FC further called on other clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability within the NPFL, insisting that Nigerian football must move forward in a more transparent and development-driven direction.

The club thanked its fans, players and stakeholders for their support, while indicating it would explore alternative platforms to showcase its talents and continue representing Nigerian football.

“We are done with the NPFL,” the statement concluded. The club is currently at the bottom of the table.

As of the time of filing this report, the NPFL had yet to issue an official response to the club’s withdrawal announcement.

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