The League Management Company, LMC, has considered cancelling the 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League season to start the 2020/21 season in earnest.
LMC boss
The LMC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko revealed this on television programme when unveiling the potential Nigeria Professional League NPFL return format under consideration.
The Chairman of the country apex league body speaking live on Channel TV Sports program on Monday morning outlined the four format being considered to conclude the league which has been on hold due to outbreak of Coronavirus.
“We have been having useful conversations with the NFF and indeed with the Government authorities on what options are available to us with regards to the “NPFL & indeed others leagues”.
“We have had several private meetings with Government over the last week to sound them out, feel the pulse and determine what could be possible in view of the challenges.
He further explained that there are four major options available to pick from in other to conclude the season.
“Four options were available to be considered towards the conclusion of the NPFL, subject to Government approvals and time permitting which are :
Option (A), “End the league as it is, adjust the table based on Points Per Game (PPG) system so as to bring all the teams at par to guarantee sporting merits & sporting fairness. Then LMC organize a Playoff (which would be a one venue event for 7-10 days) to determine the Winner & CAF slots.
Option (B), “End the league as it is, adjust the table based on the PPG system so as to bring all d teams at par to guarantee sporting merits the sporting fairness. Then submit the top-ranked teams for CAF competitions. This option is only considered if there is no time for the playoffs.
Option (C), “Converge the clubs in a one-state venue and play the remaining matches within 3 stadiums that are normally not more than 2 -3hrs apart and conclude the remaining matches within 5-6 weeks playing 3 games a week and with all the quarantine and testing requirements.
He, however, explained that option (C) is only open with time permitting and huge support from Government and only if the country reopened completely and interstate travels allowed.
Option (D), “To conclude the league as normal on basis of home and away provided time permits, the country reopens completely, the Health issue completely under control and with huge support and approval from Government.
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was suspended on March 27 after the completion of matchday 25, with Plateau United, Rivers United, Lobi Starts all gunning for the title and Enyimba with five games outstanding occupying fifth on the log.
