The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expelled Beyond Limits Football Academy from the 2024/25 topflight league as a result of dual interest.
Beyond Limits have the same ownership as Remo Stars, who have been in the NPFL since 2016. Both sides are owned by entrepreneur and sport enthusiast, Hon. Kunle Soname, who is also Chairman of Bet9ja.
The club gained promotion to the NPFL last June having finished top of the Southern Conference of the Nigeria National League (NNL), together with Ikorodu City, Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors.
Beyond Limits will now be replaced by Heartland, who were relegated to the last season.
In a statement on Tuesday, NPFL explained that there is one ownership of Beyond Limits Football Academy and Remo Stars, which constitutes a breach of Rule B11.4 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
The statement further read: “As a result of this decision, the slot previously occupied by Beyond Limits Football Academy has been relinquished and subsequently handed over to Heartland FC. This decision aligns with Rule A5.2, which stipulates the criteria for club participation. Heartland FC met the requirements set by the NPFL board and was the only relegated club to express interest in filling the vacancy.
“We also need to clarify that there was no slot buying transaction, as such practices are explicitly prohibited under NPFL rules. The NPFL remains committed to upholding a fair and competitive league.
“While the NPFL rules do not explicitly foresee every scenario, the board has exercised its discretion, as permitted under the league’s governing documents, to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the league and its stakeholders.
“The NPFL will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that all actions taken are in line with our commitment to fairness and the integrity of the competition”.
