A memo to all clubs cites Sporting Lagos coach Jeffrey Buter’s interview and promises discipline for any further breach.
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The NPFL has warned coaches, club officials and other stakeholders that public criticism of the league or its match officials will draw disciplinary action if it continues. The warning came in a memo to all clubs from the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman.
The memo points to a widely shared video interview with Sporting Lagos coach Jeffrey Buter, whose comments questioned the integrity of the centre referee after Sporting Lagos’ 1-1 draw with Barau FC on Matchday 6. The game was played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan on Saturday, September 26.
What the Memo Says
The NPFL cited Appendix B, Rule 7 and Section A, Rule 5.5.2 of its Framework and Rules for 2026/27. Both prohibit public criticism and disparaging statements against the league and its officials by players, club coaches and officials. Fans following the new season can check the latest Bet9ja promotion code before the weekend.
Abdulrahman said the warning had become necessary as the season progresses. He argued that such statements damage the league’s reputation and can discourage existing and potential partners.
The league also reminded clubs that formal channels exist for raising officiating complaints with the Secretariat. Any further breach, it warned, would attract disciplinary action under the NPFL Framework and Rules. Clubs were told to make sure their coaches, managers and officials refrain from statements that could bring the league and its referees into disrepute.
The Buter Interview
Sporting Lagos were held 1-1 by Barau FC, who led at the break through a penalty before Sodiq Ayoade equalised after the interval. Barau stayed top of the table at the time. Readers who bet on the league can look up the Bet9ja promotion code before the next round.
Buter told the club’s media that his side should have won. He also suggested that better officiating could have affected the result, according to Nigeriasoccernet. The reports on the memo don’t mention any sanction against him so far.
He isn’t the only coach to raise officiating concerns this season. Abdallah of Ranchers Bees also questioned the officiating after his side’s draw with Rivers United.
What Happens Next
Sporting Lagos visit Kano Pillars on Saturday, October 3, at 4pm, one of several NPFL games that weekend. NPFL followers who want to test their forecasts can try Bet9ja’s free Super9ja jackpot alongside the weekend’s fixtures.
The league has drawn its line. Will clubs follow the rule, or will the next heated post-match interview test it?
📌 Did You Know?
- Sporting Lagos were founded in Lagos on February 3, 2022.
- They were relegated from the NPFL in 2023/24 after finishing 17th with 46 points, then returned by topping Southern Conference B in 2025/26 under Buter.
- The Mobolaji Johnson Arena is also known as the Onikan Stadium.
- Barau FC’s traditional home is the Dambatta Stadium in Kano, but they adopted the Sani Abacha Stadium for 2025/26.
- Barau FC were founded by Senator Barau Jibrin.
- Barau were promoted to the NPFL in 2025, setting up a Kano derby against Kano Pillars.
