Kun Khalifat FC Withdraw From NPFL Over “Harsh and Uneven” Disciplinary Sanctions

Kun Khalifat FC have officially withdrawn from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), announcing an immediate exit after what the club described as harsh, unfair and uneven disciplinary measures imposed by league organisers.

The privately owned top-flight club confirmed the decision in a press release issued on Tuesday, with owner Kun Khalifat strongly criticising the punishment handed down following the club’s failure to honour a scheduled league fixture.

NPFL authorities had sanctioned Kun Khalifat FC with a three-point and three-goal forfeiture, in addition to a ₦10 million fine, a decision the club believes was disproportionate and dismissive of legitimate explanations submitted beforehand.

According to the statement, the club provided valid reasons for missing the fixture, but those explanations were allegedly ignored without fair consideration. The owner argued that the ruling highlights a deeper problem in the league’s disciplinary framework.

“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 emphasised that it has consistently worked to meet regulatory requirements while making significant financial commitments toward squad development and infrastructure upgrades. The club said those investments now feel devalued by what it views as a one-sided and punitive decision-making process.

“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 withdrawal as a reluctant but necessary step, the club explained that it could no longer operate within a structure it believes places revenue and sanctions above club welfare, development and sustainability.

Kun Khalifat FC also called on other NPFL clubs to push for structural reforms, improved transparency and a more balanced disciplinary system that supports growth rather than stifles it.

The statement concluded with appreciation for the club’s supporters, partners and stakeholders, while revealing plans to explore other competitive platforms to continue developing players and contributing positively to Nigerian football.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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