Illegal Betting: NPFL Lifts Suspension On Goalkeeper Adeyinka

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has lifted the suspension on former Plateau United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, which had prevented him from registering with any club for the season.

His fate was placed on the outcome of an escalated investigation into an alleged betting scandal involving him.

The league body announced that the case had now been elevated to a full investigation, which will include the invitation of several players whose names were mentioned during the inquiry. An initial inquiry to ascertain the validity of the allegations was conducted last Thursday, during which Adeyinka appeared alongside his legal representative at the NPFL office in Abuja.

“The NPFL has now written to commend the player for cooperating with the panel and providing further insights that have necessitated a broader investigation involving others,” disclosed Davidson Owumi, the NPFL chief operating officer who led the inquiry.

In a written communication to the player, the NPFL stated that information gathered during the inquiry, along with other independent findings, prompted the transition to a full investigation involving all individuals mentioned in certain WhatsApp exchanges currently held by the league.

“It is only fair that your career is not jeopardised while the investigation remains ongoing; therefore, the suspension on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted. You are free to register with any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation,” read a letter addressed to the player.

The goalkeeper had been summoned to an investigative panel established by the NPFL to determine his culpability or innocence concerning allegations of involvement in illegal betting. The NPFL had received reports indicating that the player declined to sign a contract with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) due to a clause prohibiting participation in betting activities. Consequently, his registration with any NPFL club had been suspended pending the conclusion of the investigations.