Kun Khalifat FC Announce Withdrawal From NPFL After Sanctions Row

Kun Khalifat FC have announced their withdrawal from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following sanctions imposed on the club for failing to honour a league fixture.

In an official statement dated February 3, 2026, the club owner said the decision was taken with “great disappointment and frustration” after the NPFL penalised the club for missing their Matchday 24 game against El-Kanemi Warriors.

According to the NPFL, Kun Khalifat FC breached the league’s Framework and Rules by failing to honour the fixture played on Monday, February 2, 2026. The league handed the club a three-point and three-goal forfeiture, awarded to El-Kanemi Warriors, and imposed a ₦10 million fine, which is suspended for the rest of the season if no similar offence occurs. The club was also given 48 hours to appeal the decision.

Reacting to the punishment, the club owner described the sanctions as “outrageous and disproportionate,” insisting that valid reasons were provided for missing the match but were rejected by the league.

“The punishment handed down to us 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.

The club accused the NPFL of bias, lack of transparency, and prioritising revenue over the welfare of clubs, adding that continued participation under such conditions was no longer possible.

“We cannot continue to be part of a system that disregards the well-being of its member clubs and prioritises punishment over fairness and justice,” the statement added.

Kun Khalifat FC also called on other clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability within the league, while thanking fans, players, and stakeholders for their support.

However, confusion has surrounded the withdrawal announcement. The statement has not been posted on the club’s official Facebook page. Instead, Kun Khalifat FC shared match graphics promoting their upcoming NPFL fixture against Shooting Stars, scheduled for Sunday, February 4, 2026, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

As of the time of filing this report, the NPFL has not officially responded to the club’s withdrawal claim, leaving uncertainty over Kun Khalifat FC’s status in the league.