Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter has been handed a N500,000 fine by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following remarks he made about match officiating after his side's local derby against Ikorodu City.

The sanction came after Buter acknowledged in his post-match interview that he had overstepped the mark with his comments on the refereeing performance during the encounter. The NPFL took his admission into account when deliberating on the appropriate punishment.

League officials also considered Buter's limited experience in Nigerian top-flight football as a mitigating factor in arriving at the final decision.

Trip to Abuja and seven-day deadline

Before the fine was confirmed, Buter was summoned to Abuja on Wednesday to appear before the league body and account for his statements. He was required to explain the context and intent behind his remarks.

The Dutch coach now has seven working days to settle the N500,000 fine. Failure to pay within that window could expose him to further disciplinary action from the NPFL.

League issues broader warning

Beyond Buter's individual case, the NPFL used the occasion to send a clear message to coaches and club officials across the league. The governing body cautioned all parties against making reckless or inflammatory public statements, and urged them to direct any grievances through the proper official channels instead.