NPL Plans Close Monitoring Of League Matches

The management of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) in Abuja said that the 2009/2010 Premier League competition would be  closely monitored in its last 10 weeks.

Malam Alhassan Yakmut, NPL Executive Secretary, told newsmen that the monitoring was essential as the competition would have entered a very crucial stage.

“By the beginning of the last 10 weeks of the league, we are going to commence full and more intense monitoring of the league because the competition is going to be tougher then.

“And, whoever is found wanting or engaging in untoward acts, will not be spared, whether he is a player or match official,’’ he said.

Sources close to The Tide On Sunday reports that the last 10 weeks of the 38-week league will begin from the week 29 matches scheduled to hold on April 17 and April 18.

Yakmut said there would be counter-intelligence efforts to check unwholesome practice by any club official “who wants to gain undue advantage, and any sharp practices by match official.” 

“It is evident by now that the league competition this season is going to end in a photo-finish, going by what we had at the end of week 24.

“Therefore, we need to be on our toes to prevent a situation where undue and undeserved teams are crowned kings at the end of the day,’’ he said.

Speaking on efforts to get more sponsorship fund for the league, Yakmut said the NPL management had worked out modalities to expand its sponsorship and marketing outlets.

“We are aware that we run a very fragile business which deals with passion, and which can ultimately affect all efforts at making more money from sponsors and spectators.

“That is why we are not happy with all matters of  litigation now, as well as sharp practices that can give people the impression that all is not well in our family.

“We are therefore exploring other frontiers of business and reaching out to the corporate world in areas we had hitherto not explored.

“ We are sure positive changes are going to emerge very soon,’’ he said.

The Tide On Sunday gathers that the league began on Sept. 20, 2009 and scheduled to end on June 6.