NPFL urges clubs, referees to abide by regulations

The Nigeria Premier Football League has called on clubs and referees to stay true to the rules of the game ahead of the top-flight resumption.

The 2024 NPFL season is scheduled to resume on Sunday, May 26, across all league venues after the league was paused to allow Rivers United to complete their outstanding games.

NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye commended the clubs for their improved performance in this campaign.

He warned referees against incompetence and bias in the officiating of matches.

“We have had a fairly great season with improvements in the quality of play and standard of the teams. It is important that we complete the last six games devoid of controversy and unnecessary disputes capable of ridiculing the game in the eyes of the football world,” he told NPFL media.

“We witnessed overall fantastic officiating for most of the completed fixtures, and I want to commend the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) for the good job their members have done so far.

“The NPFL and the NFF have shown from the start of the season that there is no place for poor officiating in the league and we are not relenting as the monitoring will intensify and anyone found wanting will be delisted swiftly.

“We are looking at ways to reward outstanding referees as a way of motivating our crop of match officials and at the appropriate time, this will be unveiled,” he said.