The National Council on Sports has announced a N10 million fine for any state that fields an athlete who breaks the competition rules. The council said the decision became necessary to stop the growing cases of states using unqualified or ineligible athletes during national tournaments. Officials believe the sanction will promote fairness across all sports events.

According to the council, some states have been taking advantage of loopholes by bringing in athletes who do not meet the required age or eligibility standards. This behaviour, they said, affects the integrity of competitions and discourages genuine young athletes who follow the rules. The new penalty is aimed at correcting this trend and ensuring discipline.

The Council explained that the N10m sanction will apply immediately to all sporting activities under its supervision. They added that states must verify the status of every athlete before registering them for any championship. Failure to do so would result in strict consequences without exceptions.

Sports administrators across the country have been advised to educate their teams and coaches about the new rule. The Council noted that maintaining clean, credible competitions will help develop sports and give athletes equal opportunities to grow and succeed.