Betting Allegation: Professional Footballers Association Urges NPFL To Ensure Fair Hearing For Adeyinka

Betting Allegation: Professional Footballers Association Urges NPFL To Ensure Fair Hearing For Adeyinka

Precious Oham

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has called on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to ensure fairness and due process in handling the betting allegation against goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a formal letter addressed to the NPFL Chief Operating Officer and signed by the union’s Executive Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo, on behalf of Players’ Board Chairman and ex-international Sunday Abe, the NANPF expressed concern over what it described as the “premature suspension” of Adeyinka before the conclusion of investigations.

According to the union, the NPFL’s decision to suspend the player and publicize it in the media without proven evidence risks prejudicing the case and damaging the goalkeeper’s career and reputation.

While reiterating its alignment with FIFA and NFF’s zero-tolerance stance on betting in football, the NANPF urged the league body to consider a more measured approach.

It proposed that Adeyinka be barred from match participation pending the investigation’s outcome, rather than having his registration suspended — a move it says could have long-term negative consequences.

“It is a fundamental principle of justice that an individual should be properly notified of any allegations against them and allowed to respond,” the letter read, adding that the player has not been formally served with the notice of offence.

The NANPF drew from biblical teachings on fair hearing, noting that even Adam in the Garden of Eden was given a chance to defend himself.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NPFL to protect the integrity of the sport while safeguarding the rights of players.