The League Management Company, LMC has announced the indefinite suspension of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) which was scheduled to resume from the World Cup break on Wednesday, July 18.
The LMC in a letter to all the 20 clubs signed by Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar attributed the suspension of the league to prevailing adverse circumstances in the administration of football in the country.
“Kindly be informed that the League Management Company (LMC) has reached a decision to postpone the resumption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) indefinitely,”reads the statement.
“The decision is based on the current adverse circumstances in the administration of football in the country as a result of which sponsors, partners and service providers have expressed strong concerns and are reviewing their involvement in the league
“There is therefore the need to engage them further in this regard in order to mitigate against any possible adverse outcome. Furthermore, organizing matches of the NPFL under the current circumstances might cause irreversible damage to the League brand”, the statement noted.
The letter further explained to the clubs that a major partner with whom negotiation had been concluded and approved at the last annual general meeting of the LMC in Port Harcourt on May 28, 2018 has requested for the suspension of the execution of the contract as a result of the on-going challenges in national football administration.
Meanwhile, the Club Owners Association have earlier announced a postponement in the resumption date of the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The NPFL which has been on break for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was earlier expected to resume this Wednesday with match day 25 actions across nine centres.
The club owners, according to a statement released by its executive secretary, Alloy Chukwuemeka stated that they took the decision as a result of some unresolved issues among the football stakeholders and revealed that a new date will be communicated by the League Management Company.
“I am directed to bring to the notice of all members and clubs that the resumption date of the 2017/2018 season earlier scheduled for Wednesday 18th July 2018 has be put on hold,” reads the statement.
“Consequently, the league resumption date has been postponed indefinitely until further notice.
“This postponement is as a result of some unresolved issues amongst the stakeholders within the football circle.
“Meanwhile, a new date will be communicated by the LMC.
“Thank you for your understanding of the situation as we regret the inconveniences it has caused you.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
