The Nationwide League One (NLO) Secretariat has directed all clubs under its jurisdiction to immediately withdraw from, and desist from organising, sponsoring or associating with any unauthorised private leagues or football competitions.

The directive was issued through a formal notice circulated by the NLO Secretariat amid concerns that some clubs may be participating in competitions operating outside the official football framework recognised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the NLO.

The Secretariat described participation in such competitions without the requisite approval as unauthorised and a breach of the statutes and regulations governing football administration in Nigeria.

Consequently, all NLO clubs involved in private leagues or competitions without prior approval have been ordered to “cease and desist forthwith” from such activities.

The directive takes immediate effect, with the NLO warning that clubs that disregard the order could be subjected to disciplinary measures under the applicable football regulations.

Among the possible sanctions outlined by the Secretariat are suspension, expulsion from the NLO, forfeiture of match results and referral to the NFF Disciplinary Committee.

The NLO stressed that any competition involving clubs under its jurisdiction must receive the necessary approval from the relevant football authorities before participation.

NLO Cites European Super League Controversy

In justifying its position, the NLO cited the proposed European Super League of April 2021 as an international example of the consequences that can arise when clubs attempt to establish competitions outside recognised football structures.

Several prominent European clubs had announced plans to form a breakaway competition, triggering strong opposition from FIFA, UEFA, national football associations, governments and supporters.

The NLO noted that the episode was accompanied by warnings of possible sanctions against clubs and players who participated in the proposed competition, including potential exclusion from established domestic and international competitions.

The proposed Super League subsequently suffered a major setback after most of its founding clubs withdrew from the project within days of the announcement.

Drawing from the development, the NLO maintained that football competitions must operate within the recognised hierarchy and regulatory framework of FIFA and its member associations.

The Secretariat warned that the proliferation of unauthorised parallel competitions could undermine the structure, authority and integrity of the established football pyramid.

The NLO therefore urged all clubs under its jurisdiction to comply with the directive and channel their competitive activities through officially recognised NLO competitions and other programmes duly sanctioned by the NFF.

It further reaffirmed its determination to protect the integrity of the Nationwide League One system and warned that attempts by clubs to participate in or promote unauthorised competitions would not be tolerated.