The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has affirmed that no financial transaction was involved in awarding the topflight slot from Beyond Limits Football Academy to relegated Heartland FC for the 2024-2025 season, which began last Saturday.
On Tuesday, the NPFL clarified that Beyond Limits Football Academy, which earned promotion to the top flight by winning the Nigerian National League (NNL) in June, will not be participating this season due to potential conflicts of interest with Remo Stars. Instead, Beyond Limits will return to compete in the second tier next season.
The NPFL emphasized, “There was no slot-buying transaction. Such practices are explicitly prohibited under NPFL rules. The board exercised its discretion to make decisions in the best interest of the league and its stakeholders.”
The Ikenne-based Beyond Limits Football Academy accepted the decision and confirmed their participation in the Nigeria National League for the 2024/25 season, expressing regret but commitment to continued development.
Heartland FC, which has been preparing for the new season with pre-season games, will face Enyimba at home in their first match of the season.
In contrast, Sporting Lagos chairman Godwin Enakhena has clarified why the club, which finished 17th last season and was the highest-ranked among the relegated teams, did not accept the Beyond Limits slot. Enakhena stated on Instagram that the decision was based on the club’s organizational goals and policies, not financial constraints.
Enakhena explained, “The offer was rejected not due to money but because of our set targets and policy.”
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