The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has announced a boycott of all publicity and media activities involving Kun Khalifat FC until further notice.
The decision followed an emergency Imo SWAN Congress held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after several accredited sports journalists were reportedly denied access to the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, ahead of Kun Khalifat FC’s NPFL Matchday Two fixture against Barau FC on September 6.
According to the association, the affected journalists had arrived at the stadium to perform their professional duties but were prevented from accessing the venue, allegedly on the directive of the club.
The Congress also raised concerns over a response attributed to the Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, who reportedly said the restriction was at the instance of the owner of Kun Khalifat FC.
Dike was further reported to have said that the safety of a journalist attempting to access the press stand could not be guaranteed. SWAN also alleged that an official of Kun Khalifat FC issued a threat during the incident.
Imo SWAN described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that journalists and other accredited stakeholders must be able to attend officially sanctioned matches without intimidation or concerns over their safety.
The association also said the Imo State Football Association has a responsibility to ensure appropriate security and access arrangements at football matches under its jurisdiction.
Following deliberations, the Congress unanimously resolved that members should suspend publicity, promotion and media coverage of Kun Khalifat FC and its activities until further notice.
Imo SWAN has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to prevent similar situations.
The association said it remains committed to promoting sports in Imo State but insisted that sports journalists must be treated with respect and allowed to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or threats to their safety.
The boycott, according to the statement signed by SWAN Imo Chairman Cosmos Chukwuemeka and Secretary Tunde Liadi, will remain in force until the concerns raised by Congress are satisfactorily addressed.
