Kun Khalifat FC has announced its immediate withdrawal from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), citing what it described as “outrageous and disproportionate” sanctions imposed on the club for failing to honour a single league fixture.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the club’s owner, Michael Amaefula, expressed “great disappointment and frustration” with the NPFL’s decision to deduct three points and three goals from the team, in addition to imposing a ₦10 million fine.
According to the club, the punishment followed its inability to fulfil one match fixture, despite providing what it said were valid reasons to 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.
Kun Khalifat FC argued that the NPFL rejected its explanation without adequate consideration, describing the process as biased and lacking transparency. The club further accused the league of showing “a clear disregard for the challenges faced by clubs” operating within the Nigerian football system.
The club noted that it has consistently attempted to comply with NPFL rules and regulations and has invested heavily in its team and infrastructure. However, it said those efforts were being undermined by what it sees as an overly punitive system.
“We cannot continue to be part of a system that disregards the well-being of its member clubs and prioritises revenue over development,” the statement said, adding that the league’s actions left the club with “no choice but to withdraw.”
Kun Khalifat FC also called on other NPFL clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability from league administrators, urging collective action to improve the governance and development of Nigerian football.
“It is time for Nigerian football to move forward, and we will not be a part of a system that stifles growth and progress,” the club declared.
Despite its withdrawal from the NPFL, Kun Khalifat FC assured fans and stakeholders that it would continue to explore alternative platforms to showcase its players and represent Nigerian football “with pride.” The club also thanked its supporters, players and partners for their continued loyalty.
As of the time of filing this report, the NPFL had not issued an official response to Kun Khalifat FC’s withdrawal or the allegations raised in the statement.
