Football Law and Ethics

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is on the brink of suspension following his fourth yellow card of the English Championship season. The Fenerbahçe loanee, currently impressing at Cardiff City, risks a one-match ban should he pick up another booking. Osayi-Samuel has been in strong form since arriving in South Wales, becoming a vital part of […]

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has prohibited Akwa United, Heartland FC, and several other indebted clubs from registering for the 2025–26 season. The decision follows the relegation of Akwa United and Heartland from the NPFL, and is tied to lingering financial liabilities. League administrators cited unpaid fees, outstanding fines, and unresolved contractual obligations as reasons

South Africa’s path in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers may be in jeopardy after they fielded ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their 2–0 win over Lesotho. Mokoena had already received two yellow cards in earlier Group C matches against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe making him automatically ineligible to feature in the Lesotho game under FIFA

Warri Wolves have been fined ₦1 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after failing to ensure prompt, adequate and effective security during their home match against Enugu Rangers at the Warri City Stadium. The delayed 4 p.m. kickoff highlighted significant lapses in matchday safety, prompting swift disciplinary action. The NPFL board has mandated

Reports indicate that three players, dubbed the NPFL’s “Bad Boys” from the opening day, have each begun three-match bans following disciplinary infractions at the start of the season. The suspensions were confirmed as the league got underway on 31 August 2024, marking an early and serious reminder of the rules in Nigeria’s top-flight football. Editorial

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern warning to all clubs, players, and officials, prohibiting any form of betting on league matches. This directive aims to preserve the integrity of the game and ensure fair play throughout the competition. In a memo dated August 6, 2025, and signed by Chief Operating Officer

In the official release of FIFA’s named match officials for the U‑20 World Cup in Chile, which runs from 27 September to 19 October 2025, there are 54 appointments in total 18 referees and 36 assistant referees but notably, no Nigerians feature among them. Despite Nigeria qualifying for the tournament alongside other African nations like

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation after it emerged he placed bets predicting he would receive a yellow card during Udinese’s 2–1 Serie A win over Lazio on 11 March 2024. The surge in suspicious betting activity reportedly generating over €120,000 at 8/1

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed that its pivotal Super 8 promotion playoffs will take place from 5–12 July 2025 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. The eight qualifying teams will battle for four coveted spots in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season. The eight clubs include Warri Wolves, Osun

Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, the esteemed former FIFA referee and now instructor, has issued a stark warning about the growing scourge of match‑fixing within Nigeria’s Professional Football League. He has revealed that the practice is deep‑rooted and involves referees, players, and officials in illegal activities, tarnishing the integrity of domestic football. As one of Nigeria’s top