No less than six centres billed to be used for next season’s top-flight campaign could be struck out by the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) for failing to meet its standards for playing host to matches.
The home grounds of Gombe United, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Sunshine Stars and Zamfara United are affected.
This means that the Lekan Salami Stadium (Ibadan), Sardauna Memorial Stadium (Gusau), Aper Aku Stadium (Makurdi), Bako Kontagora Stadium (Minna), Abubakar Umar Stadium (Gombe) and Akure Township Stadium (Akure) could face blackout from the Premier League next season.
The NPL is particular about the playing surfaces, dressing rooms and terraces of the affected venues
The Premier League stated that it is out to ensure that all 20 clubs that will compete next season must use television and football-friendly stadia as home grounds.
The affected clubs have been handed the deadline of Friday to put their home grounds in order or face playing away from their grounds.
“The (NPL) board reaffirmed its position regarding the use of TV and football friendly stadia for the league matches. Consequently, the board directed that six clubs should forward their home grounds to NPL on or before 10th September, 2010,” said the NPL in a statement.
It will be recalled that the NPL had issued same warning to the six clubs as far back as July 27 this year.
The Premier League has also sought the assistance of television stations in the country to help in carrying out inspections at the affected grounds.
“The board agreed to collaborate with TV stations to inspect the grounds of the above mentioned clubs. The TV stations include Channels TV, LTV, NTA, AIT and SuperSport,” stated the NPL.
Also, the four clubs promoted to the Premier League have been advised to comply with same condition handed to the six affected teams in order to remain at their home stadia.
Crown Football Club, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Football Club, Plateau United and Bukola Babes are the newcomers to the top-flight for next season.
I think the NPL should clamp down on venues that are eyesore, so that we can improve the league.
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