Heartland Replace Beyond Limits In 2024-2025 NPFL Campaign

Beyond Limits Football Academy will not be participating in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season and they will be replaced by the relegated Heartland FC.

Beyond Limits, who were promoted to the NPFL at the end of last season, lost their elite league status due to concerns about dual interest, as stated in Rule B11.4 of the league Framework and Rules.

This decision has resulted in the slot previously held by Beyond Limits being awarded to Heartland FC by Rule A5.2.

Recall that Heartland finished 19th in the league last season. They will be led by coach Emmanuel Amuneke this season.

Note that the NPFL strictly prohibits 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.

“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.”