The Nigeria Premier Football League has announced that relegated Heartland FC of Owerri has taken over the slot of newly- promoted Beyond Limits of Ikenne in the 2024/2025 season.
There have been rumours that Beyond Limits, the feeders team of another NPFL side, Remo Stars, owned by former local government chairman, Kunle Soname, will likely not be playing in the league due to conflict of interest.
On Tuesday, it was officially announced by the league body that Heartland will now replace Beyond Limits as the MatchdDay 1 games take place this weekend across various centres.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Before the start of the season, it was speculated that Heartland were going to be buying the slot of Beyond Limits with millions of naira mentioned, however, the league body said nothing of such happened.
The statement added: “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.”
