Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter has been summoned by the Nigeria Premier Football League following his criticism of match officiating after his side’s goalless draw against Ikorodu City.
Buter is expected to appear before the NPFL disciplinary panel this week after questioning the standard of refereeing during the Lagos derby.
Speaking after the match, the coach argued that officiating problems, rather than his comments, were damaging the league’s reputation.
“They say I am bringing the league into disrepute. The referees are bringing the league to disrepute and not me. If they are not going to fix it, the league is not going anywhere,” Buter said.
The Sporting Lagos boss also claimed that his team had been affected by questionable officiating in consecutive matches, despite already receiving disciplinary warnings over his public comments.
His latest remarks have now prompted the NPFL to invite him before its disciplinary authorities to explain his statements.
The league has repeatedly cautioned coaches and club officials against public comments capable of undermining the credibility of match officials or bringing the competition into disrepute.
NPFL regulations require clubs and their officials to channel complaints about refereeing through established administrative procedures rather than making public accusations.
Buter’s appearance before the disciplinary panel could determine whether the coach faces sanctions over his comments.
Sporting Lagos remain unbeaten in the league and will now await further details regarding the hearing.
The development has also renewed attention on the relationship between coaches and match officials, as concerns over refereeing continue to generate debate during the current NPFL campaign.
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