The league says grievances about officiating must go through official channels, not public criticism.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
The NPFL has summoned Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter over comments he made about the standard of refereeing after his side’s 1-1 draw with Barau FC. He has been invited to appear before the league at its headquarters in Abuja this week.
The game was a Matchday 6 fixture played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, on September 26. After the match, Buter questioned the performance of referee Abubakar Abdullahi, who is from Niger State.
What the League Said
The NPFL has taken exception to the remarks and warned coaches and club officials against public statements or critical comments that could undermine the credibility of match officials. It says grievances over officiating must go through the appropriate administrative procedures. New bettors following the league can read the Bet9ja promo code checklist.
The league said the aim is to protect its image, integrity and sponsorship interests. It made the same argument in a memo to all clubs on September 30, which cited Buter’s interview and promised discipline for further breaches.
Background
Buter said after the Barau game that his side should have won, and Nigeria Soccernet reported that he suggested better officiating could have changed the result. No sanction has been announced yet.
Sporting Lagos have drawn three games in a row, including a 1-1 draw at Kano Pillars on Saturday, October 3. Fans following the club can check the YOHAIG Bet9ja starter deal before the next round.
What Happens Next
The report gives no date for the meeting and no indication of what sanction, if any, could follow.
Another coach, Usman Abd’Allah of Ranchers Bees, also criticised officiating after his side’s draw with Rivers United. The league separately fined Ranchers Bees ₦5 million over incidents at that game.
NPFL followers who want to test their forecasts for the rest of Matchday 7 can use Bet9ja’s Super9ja Matchday picks. Will Buter’s hearing end with a warning or a sanction?
📌 Did You Know?
- Euromatch Group reportedly agreed a three-year, $7.5 million title sponsorship of the NPFL in August.
- The NFF Refereeing Development Committee separately warned referees that wrong calls and misreadings of the Laws of the Game could mean dismissal and prosecution.
- Barau led the Sporting Lagos game at half-time through a penalty before Sodiq Ayoade equalised.
- Barau were unbeaten after six games, with three wins and three draws for 12 points.
- Sporting Lagos beat Enyimba 3-2 in Aba earlier this season.
