NLO Warns Clubs Against Participation in Unauthorised Private Competitions
The Nationwide League One (NLO) Secretariat has ordered clubs under its jurisdiction to stop participating in, organising, sponsoring, or associating with private leagues and competitions that have not been officially approved, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The directive was issued through a formal notice following concerns that some NLO-affiliated clubs could be involved in competitions operating outside the framework recognised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the NLO.
According to the Secretariat, participation in such competitions without the required approval is unauthorised and amounts to a breach of the statutes and regulations governing football administration in Nigeria.
The NLO has therefore directed affected clubs to “cease and desist forthwith” from any involvement in private leagues or competitions that have not received prior written approval from both the NFF and the NLO.
The directive takes immediate effect, with the Secretariat warning that clubs that fail to comply could be subjected to disciplinary measures.
Possible sanctions outlined by the NLO include suspension, expulsion from the league, forfeiture of results and referral to the NFF Disciplinary Committee.
NLO Cites European Super League
In its communication, the NLO also referred to the proposed European Super League of 2021 as an example of the consequences that can arise when football competitions are established outside recognised structures.
In April 2021, several leading European clubs announced plans to create a breakaway competition, prompting opposition from FIFA, UEFA, national football associations, governments and supporters.
Warnings were subsequently issued over potential sanctions for clubs and players involved in the proposed competition, including possible exclusion from international competitions and other consequences within domestic football structures.
The project quickly suffered a major setback as most of the founding clubs withdrew within days of the announcement.
Referencing the episode, the NLO stressed the importance of ensuring that football competitions operate within the recognised structures of FIFA and its member associations.
The Secretariat also urged NLO clubs to respect Nigeria’s established football pyramid and ensure that their activities remain within official NLO competitions or other programmes sanctioned by the NFF.
The NLO reiterated that it would not tolerate attempts by clubs under its jurisdiction to establish, participate in or support private competitions that could undermine the recognised league structure in Nigeria.
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