NPFL Bans CLUB Administrators From Technical Bench, Warned Against Ball-Boys Delay Tactics
NPFL bans Clubs Chairmen from Technical bench during league matches.
In another step to ensure a successful conclusion of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season that has neared the last stretch, the league organisers have again issued two practice directives to guard against disruptive conducts.
The body warned that, the technical bench is a restricted area that is meant for only reserves players, coaches, and backroom staffs with roles to play during matches.
NPFL also warned against the purposeful withholding of ball by ball boys to cause unnecessary delay, especially when the home teams are at advantage, such attitude is against the rule of the league and the fair play of the beautiful game of football.
In two separate memo to clubs signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, noted that their attention was drawn to protocols guiding sitting on the technical bench and proper conduct of Ball Boys.
Frowning against observed deviation from the established protocol on the use of the technical bench, the memo noted, “We would want to remind all clubs of the proper usage of the technical bench as regards those that are permitted to sit on it during matches.
“The Technical Bench is a reserved area strictly designated for substitute players, coaches and backroom staff with defined roles to play in the course of a match”.
The memo warned that Clubs Chairmen and General Managers must refrain from sitting in the technical bench during matches.
“Such actions, including withholding balls, delayed return of balls to the field and other related disruptions are completely unacceptable.
“We must emphasise that these actions not only go against the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, but also constitute a clear breach of Rules 1.1 of the Frameworks and Rules”.
Clubs were reminded that in accordance with the rules, a fine of #1m would be imposed an erring clubs.
