The NPFL board and COO Dr. Ayo Abdulrahman face fierce criticism after suspending a ₦15 million fine and 3-point deduction for Rivers United over blocking broadcast partner MBI. Fans argue the lenient decision sets a dangerous precedent for league governance.

The controversy stems from Rivers United's Matchday 11 fixture against defending champions Rangers International in Port Harcourt, where Murphy Ben International (MBI), the league's official broadcast partner, was reportedly denied access to the stadium.

Following an investigation, the NPFL confirmed that Rivers United had breached league regulations governing broadcast operations.

In a summary jurisdiction decision communicated to the club, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Dr. Ayo Abdulrahman stated that denying MBI access represented a serious violation of the league's framework and broadcasting agreements.

According to the ruling, Rivers United were liable to a ₦15 million fine as well as a deduction of three points and three goals.

However, the league stopped short of immediately enforcing those penalties.

Instead, the sanctions were suspended and will only be activated if Rivers United commit a similar offence again during the current season.

The ruling has sparked outrage across Nigerian football circles.

Many supporters argue that a suspended punishment effectively amounts to no punishment at all, especially given the seriousness of the offence and its potential impact on the league's commercial partners.

One fan wrote:

"Suspended fine? Looks like the FIFA playbook has found its way to the NPFL Board. A precedent has been set, and others are clearly taking notes."

Another supporter questioned the logic behind the decision.

"You guys are not serious. Suspended? What nonsense? Better not impose any sanction on them at all instead of this suspended one."

Others accused the league of selectively enforcing its own rules.

"All we have been asking is why we have a selective application of the same rulebook. The attempted explanation from Dr. Ayo is too watery."

Another fan added:

"NPFL fined Rivers United ₦15 million suspended fine for blocking TV crew entry into their stadium. Three points and three goals will be deducted if repeated. In clear terms, no punishment for them."

The controversy deepened after Rivers United released a statement acknowledging the ruling while defending its actions.

The club insisted that its decisions were taken after engagements aimed at ensuring the orderly conduct of the match and protecting stakeholder interests.

Rivers United also called for what it described as fair and balanced broadcast coverage across all 20 NPFL clubs, arguing that selective coverage undermines the growth of the league.

The club further claimed that commitments relating to broader league coverage had not been fulfilled and argued that accountability should apply equally to all parties.

However, the statement generated little sympathy from many supporters.

One fan described the club's position as "sickening audacity", while another branded Rivers United "very rubbish and unprofessional."

Another comment read:

"You locked both Rangers and the MBI team out of the stadium and you're talking about standards in 2026?"

Others revisited previous allegations involving broadcast disputes and accused the club of damaging efforts to improve the profile of Nigerian football.

The incident has reignited discussions about governance and consistency within the NPFL.

Critics argue that if league rules clearly prescribe sanctions for specific offences, those punishments should be applied uniformly regardless of the club involved.

Supporters also fear the verdict could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging future violations if clubs believe sanctions will not be immediately enforced.

For now, Rivers United have avoided an instant points deduction and financial penalty.

But the bigger issue may be the growing perception among fans that the league's rulebook is not being applied equally to everyone.