NPFL warns coaches, officials against discrediting comments

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has warned club coaches and officials against making discrediting comments about referees.

The NPFL gave the warning in a memo signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman.

Abdulrahman reminded all clubs of acceptable standards for conveying grievances.

He insisted that the objective is to protect the league’s brand and avoid acts capable of driving away partnership interests.

The memo referenced a trending video interview featuring Sporting Lagos coach Jeffery Buter, who questioned the integrity of the centre referee after his side’s Matchday 6 encounter against Barau FC in Lagos.

Abdulrahman pointed out that the NPFL framework and rules prohibit public criticism of the league and its officials.

Part of the memo read: “This has become necessary as the 2026/27 season progresses and with particular reference to a trending video interview featuring the Sporting Lagos FC coach, Jeffery Buter, which questioned the integrity of the centre referee at the end of the Matchday 6 encounter in Lagos against Barau FC,” the memo stated.

“All Clubs are hereby reminded of Appendix B, Rule 7 and Section A, Rule 5.5.2 of the NPFL Framework and Rules 2026/2027, which prohibit public criticism and disparaging statements against the League and its officials by players, club coaches and officials.

“Any further breach will attract appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the NPFL Framework and Rules.”