Five-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Heartland will take the place of Beyond Limits Football Academy in the 2024-25 season, Afrosport reports.
According to the league’s governing body, Beyond Limits and last season’s NPFL runners-up Remo Stars share the same ownership, which is in breach of Rule B11.4 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
#NPFL25 explains the non-registration of Beyond Limits, admission of Heartland
Details 🔗 https://t.co/KxCD2AgCPt pic.twitter.com/Oxmn4rHCeF
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) September 3, 2024
The NPFL Board, in a statement on Tuesday, said it has now transferred the slot to Heartland FC, a decision that is backed by Rule A5.2, which “outlines the criteria for club participation”.
“The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has determined that Beyond Limits Football Academy will not be participating in the 2024/2025 season due to concerns regarding dual interest,” the league body said.
“Specifically, there is one ownership of Beyond Limits Football Academy and Remo Stars, a club already competing in the NPFL, which constitutes a breach of Rule B11.4 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.”
Furthermore, it was revealed that Heartland were the only relegated club to show interest in occupying the slot, and the Owerri-based club got it after “meeting the necessary requirements”.
The NPFL Board added: “We also need to clarify that there was no slot buying transaction, as such practices are explicitly prohibited under NPFL rules. The NPFL remains committed to upholding a fair and competitive league.”
“While the NPFL rules do not explicitly foresee every scenario, the board has exercised its discretion, as permitted under the league’s governing documents, to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the league and its stakeholders.”
“The NPFL will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that all actions taken are in line with our commitment to fairness and the integrity of the competition.”
Beyond Limits secured promotion to the NPFL after emerging victorious in the 2023-24 Nigeria National League (NNL) after beating Nasarawa United 4-3 in penalties at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu to win the Super 8 playoffs.
The Ikenne-based club responded to the decision made by the NPFL Board with a statement of theirs, expressing disappointment at not being able to take their status forward. The team, however, confirmed that they will return to playing in the NNL when the second-tier league resumes.
📣Academy Statement: NPFL Participation #NoLimits pic.twitter.com/KTQNufM7Am
— Beyond Limits FA (@Beyond_LimitsFA) September 3, 2024
Meanwhile, Heartland, who are now coached by former Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Amuneke, will open their participation in the 2024-25 NPFL season with a tough test against Enyimba in their season opener at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Saturday, September 7.
