NPFL Bans Club Administrators from Technical Bench, Warns Against Delays By Ball Boys

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 conduct.

In two separate memos to clubs signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, their attention was drawn to protocols guiding sitting on the technical bench and the 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 club chairmen and General Managers must refrain from sitting on the technical bench during matches.

On the untoward behaviour of Ball Boys to disrupt the flow of matches, the NPFL called for a halt to this growing trend.

“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 by the rules, a fine of N1m would be imposed on erring clubs.