The League Management Company, LMC, has charged Kano Pillars for breaching the NPFL Framework & Rules following the infraction in their Matchday 27 fixture against Akwa United at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Sunday.
The Kano club have been charged for breaching the COVID-19 Protocol by admitting and/or permitting spectators and supporters into the venue.
Pillars are also charged for encroachment after their supporters encroached onto the field of play, thereby disrupting the match.
The club is further charged for failing to provide adequate security leading to failure in crowd control & restriction of access by unauthorized persons to restricted areas.
The LMC said "In line with The Nigeria Football Federation directives, Kano Pillars are hereby sanctioned with a fine of N5 million for breaching the COVID-19 Protocol.
"A fine of N2.5 million is also imposed on Kano Pillars for encroachment by their supporters, which led to abandonment of the match.
"There is also an imposed sanction of a deduction of 3 points, which shall be suspended for the duration of the remainder of the season, subject to good conduct."
The club also face a venue sanction of being banned from their Kaduna home ground and subsequently moved to another venue, if there is a recurring event.
Consequently, Pillars have been directed to submit a revised security plan within 7 days and ensure they comply strictly with COVID-19 Protocol subject to approval by the LMC.
Pillars, however, have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal these sanctions.
It will be recalled that fans believed to be supporters of Kano Pillars invaded the Ahmadu Bello stadium pitch after Nyima Nwagua's goal in the seventh minute of second half added time was disallowed for offside.