The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced it will not implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) or Goal-Line Technology in the upcoming 2025/26 season, citing significant financial challenges. The decision was confirmed during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, June 13, 2025, by NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Davidson Owumi.
Speaking to the media, Elegbeleye highlighted the high costs associated with acquiring, installing, and maintaining VAR infrastructure as the primary obstacle. “The cost of installing VAR is very high, and to be honest, the NPFL currently cannot afford such an investment,” he stated.
He emphasised that the league’s budget is constrained, making it unfeasible to adopt the technology without external support. However, Elegbeleye expressed optimism about future prospects, noting, “We are actively exploring sponsorship opportunities to cover the full cost of VAR implementation in the coming years.”
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When asked about Goal-Line Technology as a potential alternative, COO Davidson Owumi clarified that the league’s focus remains on VAR due to its broader scope. “Goal-Line Technology only monitors scoring situations, while VAR assists with multiple aspects of the game, including offsides, penalties, and red card decisions,” Owumi explained.
He added that, while both technologies are currently unaffordable, VAR’s comprehensive officiating support makes it the priority for future consideration. Despite the absence of advanced technological tools, the NPFL leadership reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the quality of officiating.
Elegbeleye outlined plans to invest in comprehensive training programs for referees to improve decision-making accuracy. Additionally, the league intends to leverage broadcast replays, where available, to assist officials in reviewing critical moments during matches. “We are committed to raising the standard of officiating through continuous training and the use of existing resources,” Elegbeleye assured.
Owumi also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the league’s operational framework, including stricter enforcement of rules and sanctions for officiating errors. “We are working to ensure transparency and fairness in every match, even without VAR,” he said.
