Julius OkorieRelegated Heartland of Owerri have bagged automatic return to the NPFL after taking over the slot of Beyond Limits, a sister club to Remo Stars.
Veteran club, Heartland, finished 19th on the log last season, accumulating unimpressive 38 points in 38 matches to embrace the second division league, the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut with Remo Stars and Beyond Limits both in premier league rule Rule B11.4 of the league, which forbids dual club in the same league due to concerns about duel interest had to apply.
Having applied for the slot, Heartland, being the only relegated club that did so, got the league board green light to step up and compete in the elite division this season.
This decision has resulted in the slot previously held by Beyond Limits being awarded to Heartland FC by Rule A5.2.
Heartland only recently unveiled former international and former U-17 Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, as the club’s new manager.
It has previously been reported that the Owerri based side will buy the slot to return to elite division. However the NPFL rules prohibit practices like slot-buying transactions to ensure fairness and sportsmanship, according to a statement on the league’s official website.
The league’s body’s statement reads: “The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has determined that Beyond Limits Football Academy will not be participating in the 2024/2025 season due to concerns regarding dual interest.
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“Specifically, there is one ownership of Beyond Limits Football Academy, and Remo Stars, a club already competing in the NPFL, which constitutes a breach of Rule B11.4 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
“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.”
Prior to this development, Beyond Limits has been scheduled to host Enyimba on Saturday in their season opener at Ikenne, which implies that Heartland will now take over that fixture in an oriental derby against Enyimba.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
