The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is taking a firm stance against time-wasting tactics by home teams, specifically the practice of hiding match balls when they are leading.
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This unsporting behavior has been a concern, and the league is determined to address it with penalties for erring clubs.
In a memo to all NPFL clubs, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, expressed concerns about the manipulation of young ball boys and the practice of hiding match balls.
The memo stated that such actions would no longer be tolerated.
The NPFL has made it clear that there should always be a minimum of ten match balls available during an NPFL match. The memo emphasized the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of match balls and reiterated that reducing the number of available balls constitutes misconduct under Rule C1.1 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
To address this issue, the NPFL has called on clubs to conduct orientation sessions for their ball boys to ensure their understanding of the rules and their adherence to them.
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Failure to take corrective action may result in penalties, including fines and points deductions, as outlined in Rule C18 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
The move to eliminate this time-wasting tactic is aimed at promoting fair play and sportsmanship in the NPFL. The league is taking a proactive approach to maintain the integrity of its matches and to create a more balanced and competitive playing environment.
By addressing this issue, the NPFL aims to improve the overall quality of football in Nigeria and enhance the viewing experience for fans while ensuring that the league remains true to its core values of fairness and respect for the rules of the game.
