Kun Khalifat FC have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), citing what they described as “outrageous and disproportionate” sanctions imposed on the club for failing to honour a league fixture.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the club’s owner said Kun Khalifat would no longer participate in the league, accusing the NPFL of prioritising punishment and revenue over fairness and development.
The decision follows disciplinary action taken by the NPFL after Kun Khalifat failed to honour their Matchday 24 fixture away to El-Kanemi Warriors on Monday, 2 February 2026.
In a statement released earlier, the NPFL Board confirmed that Kun Khalifat FC had been charged with breaching the league’s Framework and Rules.
According to the league body, the explanation provided by the club for failing to honour the fixture was deemed unacceptable.
As a result, Kun Khalifat were sanctioned with the forfeiture of three points and three goals, which were awarded to El-Kanemi Warriors. The club was also handed a ₦10m fine.
The NPFL clarified that the financial penalty is a suspended sentence for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, provided the club commits no similar breach. Kun Khalifat were also given 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.
Kun Khalifat. Photo Credit: Kun Khalifat media
Responding to the punishment, Kun Khalifat described the sanctions as excessive and lacking transparency.
“We provided valid reasons for our inability to fulfill the match obligation, yet our explanation was deemed unacceptable,” the statement read.
“We believe that the NPFL’s decision was biased and lacked transparency, demonstrating a clear disregard for the challenges faced by clubs in our great nation.”
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The club also insisted it had consistently complied with league regulations and invested heavily in infrastructure and squad development, adding that it could no longer operate within a system it believes undermines member clubs.
“The NPFL’s actions have left us no choice but to withdraw from the league,” the statement continued.
“We cannot continue to be part of a system that disregards the well-being of its member clubs and prioritizes revenue over development.”
Photo Credit: Kun Khalifat/X
Kun Khalifat further urged other clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability within Nigerian football governance, while thanking fans and players for their support.
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The NPFL has not yet responded directly to the club’s decision to withdraw, and it remains unclear what implications the move could have for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
