Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kun Khalifat FC has announced its withdrawal from the 2025/26 season in protest against what it describes as an “unfair sanction” imposed by the league body.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Amaefula, declared that Kun Khalifa FC will no longer participate in a league “that disregards the challenges faced by its member clubs and prioritizes punishment over fairness and justice.”
The decision stems from penalties levied against the Imo-based club for failing to travel to Maiduguri for their Matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on February 2, 2026.
The NPFL board deemed the club’s reasons for missing the match “unacceptable,” resulting in a deduction of three points and three goals, along with an additional ₦10 million fine.
The Imo-based club accused the NPFL board of biase towards the club in the statement following the sanction.
“The decision to forfeit 3 points and 3 goals, coupled with a fine of N10m, is not only disproportionate but a clear indication of the NPFL’s bias against our club,” the statement reads.
“We believe that the sanctions are a travesty of justice and demonstrate a lack of willingness to engage with clubs in a fair and transparent manner.”
“We believe that the sanctions are a travesty of justice and demonstrate a lack of willingness to engage with clubs in a fair and transparent manner.”
“We urge the NPFL to review their policies and procedures to ensure that clubs are treated fairly and with respect. We also call upon other clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability from the league management.”
In August 2025, Kun Khalifat FC appealed for public donations to address the financial challenges of competing in the NPFL. Club chairman Kun Khalifa admitted that without support, the team might struggle to fulfill away fixtures.
The last instance of a club starting an NPFL season but failing to complete it occurred in 2012, when Ocean Boys were disqualified for missing four consecutive matches.
Kun Khalifat FC is one of four privately owned teams in the 2025/26 NPFL season, joining Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, and Barau FC.
This marks the club’s inaugural top-flight campaign, achieved after a rapid ascent through the lower divisions in just five years since its founding.
