The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) was thrown into temporary confusion yesterday when Owerri-based club, Kun Khalifat, announced its decision to quit the championship, citing unfair treatment by the league body.

In a statement earlier in the day, the club, through its owner, Michael Amaefula, said that the club side was forced to decide with “great disappointment and frustration,” as they could no longer remain in “an unjust system.”

The club’s action followed sanctions handed down by the NPFL after Kun Khalifat failed to honour their Week 24 game against El Kanemi Warriors, a decision the club says does not reflect the realities facing many teams in the country.

“This decision follows the outrageous and disproportionate sanctions imposed upon our club by the NPFL for failing to honour a single match fixture,” Amaefula said, adding, “the punishment handed down to us – forfeiting three points and three goals, and a fine of N10m – is not only unacceptable but a clear indication that the league’s management is more interested in penalising clubs than fostering growth and development.”

Amaefula said that Kun Khalifat FC acted in good faith and complied with league procedures, but feels unfairly treated by NPFL authorities. The club said their reasons for missing the match were genuine, yet were ignored.

“We provided valid reasons for our inability to fulfil the match obligation, yet our explanation was deemed unacceptable,” the statement said.

The statement also highlighted the club’s investments and efforts to meet league standards, expressing disappointment that those efforts were not recognised, adding that “the NPFL’s actions have left us no choice but to withdraw from the league,” the statement added.

“We cannot continue to be part of a system that disregards the well-being of its member clubs and prioritises revenue over development.”

While calling on other clubs in the league to call for reforms, Amaefula said the system should be made to work for the clubs.

However, a few hours after the withdrawal, the club announced their change of mind and urged their fans to come out en masse for their NPFL game against Shooting Stars this weekend.
In another statement yesterday, Amaefula cited “positive discussions” with the NPFL for the latest turn of events.

He expressed the club’s “delight at the constructive dialogue with the NPFL board, as we are happy to put our differences behind us and focus on the beautiful game. We appreciate the League Management Board’s willingness to listen to and address our concerns. We look forward to a more collaborative and productive relationship moving forward.”

Yesterday’s drama highlights the need for the league managers to work closely with the clubs to address the issues hindering the growth of the championship.

Recently, Remo Stars sponsor, Kunle Soname, criticised the NPFL’s referees’ appointment committee for the woes the clubs suffer in the hands of match officials and called for the overhauling of the body.

A few years ago, another elite club, Giwa FC of Jos, withdrew from the championship over what he termed unfair treatment of his club by managers of the league.

Earlier in 1987, the major privately-owned clubs, including Leventis United and Abiola Babes, withdrew from the league due to differences with the then Nigeria Division League management.