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NPFL clubs warned coaches and officials over disparaging officiating comments
All EuroMatch-NPFL clubs have been warned that coaches, managers and officials could face disciplinary action for making public statements that criticise the league or its match officials.
The warning was issued by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Dr. Ayo Abdulrahman, who reminded clubs that complaints about officiating must be made through the league’s official channels rather than in media interviews or other public statements.
The advisory, titled “Warning Against Disparaging Statements by Club Coaches and Officials”, referred clubs to existing provisions in the NPFL Framework and Rules concerning public comments that could bring the competition into disrepute.
It follows a video interview involving Sporting Lagos FC coach Jeffery Buter after his side’s Matchday 6 fixture against Barau FC in Lagos. The memo specifically cited the interview, which questioned the integrity of the centre referee.
Abdulrahman said the guidance was necessary as the 2026/27 season progresses, both to protect the reputation of the NPFL and to prevent conduct that could discourage partnership interest in the competition.
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”.
Club leaderships were instructed to ensure that their coaching and administrative staff comply strictly with those regulations.
The NPFL COO said clubs already had established procedures for raising concerns about match officiating with the league Secretariat, and urged officials to use those mechanisms.
He added that “any further breach will attract appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the NPFL Framework and Rules”.
The league’s intervention comes as clubs continue to be reminded of the standards expected when expressing grievances over refereeing decisions. Public comments considered incendiary or damaging to the reputation of the NPFL and its officials are prohibited under the competition’s regulations.
The advisory applies to players, club coaches and other officials, with clubs responsible for ensuring their representatives do not make statements capable of bringing the league or its match officials into disrepute.