Sunday, July 13, 2025

No VAR for NPFL Next Season, Says League Chairman

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has declared that it will not introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) or Goal-Line Technology in the upcoming 2025/26 season, citing substantial financial difficulties.

This announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, June 13, 2025, by NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Davidson Owumi.

During the media briefing, Elegbeleye pointed out that the exorbitant costs linked to acquiring, installing, and maintaining VAR systems are the main barrier.

“The expenses involved in setting up VAR are extremely high, and to be frank, the NPFL is currently not in a position to make such an investment,” he remarked.

He stressed that the league operates on a tight budget, making it impractical to implement technology without outside assistance.

Nevertheless, Elegbeleye expressed hope for the future, stating, “We are actively looking for sponsorships to cover the entire expense of VAR implementation in the years to come.”

When questioned about Goal-Line Technology as a possible option, COO Davidson Owumi clarified that the league is prioritizing VAR due to its comprehensive application.

“Goal-Line Technology solely focuses on goal situations, while VAR aids with various facets of the match, including offside calls, penalties, and red card incidents,” Owumi elucidated.

He mentioned that, although both technologies are currently beyond financial reach, VAR’s extensive support for refereeing makes it the primary target for future implementation.

Even in the absence of advanced technology, the NPFL leadership reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of officiating.

Elegbeleye detailed plans to invest in extensive training programs for referees aimed at enhancing decision-making accuracy.

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Furthermore, the league plans to utilize broadcast replays, when accessible, to assist officials in evaluating critical situations during games.

“We are dedicated to elevating officiating standards through ongoing training and making use of current resources,” Elegbeleye assured.

Owumi also emphasized ongoing initiatives to fortify the league’s operational structure, including stricter adherence to rules and penalties for officiating mistakes.

“We are working diligently to guarantee transparency and fairness in every match, even without VAR,” he stated.

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