The 2012/13NigeriaPremier League season originally scheduled to kick – off by next month (October) has been put – off indefinitely according to official reports.
A statement emanating from NPL secretariat inAbujadisclosed that theNigeriaPremier League is not likely to kick – off next month because of the unresolved title sponsorship.
Most clubs in the NPL have resumed training ahead of the new league season after a short break, but they may now have to wait a little longer as the authorities have insisted the competition will not again run without a title sponsor.
Imo Trumpeta has also gathered that the NPL Congress fixed for October 2 has been called off till further notice.
It was however learnt that the country’s sports minister has directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that the league only begins with a title sponsor in place.
“The NFF has already directed the premier league to suspend any plans for new season until the issue of a title sponsor is resolved once and for all,” a top official said.
“A situation where the league cannot pay the indemnities of the match officials and they still owe clubs for paying such monies last season is not healthy for our football”.
The NPL are expected to soon meet with the prospective sponsors who are willing to sign a short – term deal for the title rights of the league.
“As it is now, the NPL congress will review the past season, fix the kick – off date for the new season as well as use this opportunity to stage a draw for the fixtures for the forth coming campaign.
The past season was crammed into nine months of action from January to September.
