NPFL Refs To Enjoy 30% Hike In Allowance

NPFL Refs To Enjoy 30% Hike In Allowance

By Emmanuel Chinedu 

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and its strategic partners, GTI Assets Management on Friday approved a 30% increase in the indemnity payable to Match Commissioners and Referees that will officiate in the 2023/24 season of the NPFL,BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The partners also agreed to raise the prize-winning money from the ₦100m paid last season to ₦150m.

Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye broke the cheering news to NPFL Media, explaining that the consideration for the increase was based on the general increase in the cost of transportation all over the country.

"We are not unaware of the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on transportation and raising the allowance of the Match Officials is the right thing to do," the League boss explained.

He further disclosed that the increase in the prize money for winners is consistent with pronouncements made at the end of last season, adding, "There will continue to be a progressional raise in the prize money to reflect the financial growth we are working to achieve".

In a related development, Elegbeleye disclosed that the 20 participating clubs would in no distant time be paid some money as an incentive to run their clubs.

"Last season, the clubs received ₦10m each and we are determined to support the clubs again this season with a yet-to-be-disclosed amount of money", concluded the League helmsman who also is the 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The new season has been slated to start on Saturday, September 9 with a flag-off fixture between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Plateau United at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan.