How NPFL can attract investors – Elegbeleye

By Olaolu Joseph

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) can attract investors by upholding transparency, credibility, and ensuring referees are well-motivated to perform at their best, according to Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the NPFL.

Elegbeleye shared this during a roundtable discussion with NPFL reporters in Akure, Ondo State’s capital. He emphasized the league’s commitment to maintaining high standards, ensuring adherence to rules, and eliminating favoritism.

He stated: “From the beginning of next season, we will implement an upward review of players’ salaries,” highlighting the importance of proper remuneration in enhancing the league’s appeal.

Elegbeleye stressed the need for checks and balances to foster the growth of the league. As a former member of the House of Representatives and ex-Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), he reiterated the management’s zero-tolerance stance on thuggery and violence at match venues.

The NPFL, he revealed, has already begun incorporating communication gadgets, marking the first step towards introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Plans are also underway to train young referees in the use of VAR, with Elegbeleye affirming that all Nigerian referees are graduates of higher institutions.

“We have introduced penalties like the deduction of three points from any erring team and financial sanctions to ensure visiting teams are not intimidated,” he explained. “Since we started enforcing this rule, home teams have become more protective of away teams.”

He added that the “home-team-must-win” syndrome has significantly reduced. “On match day one of the current season, we recorded no fewer than four away wins,” he noted.

Elegbeleye concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining strict standards to ensure the league thrives.

“We must insist on the rules and avoid compromising standards. There are many investors willing to partner with us to grow the league,” he said.