LAWSA League Commences at Ebonyi State University

EBSU, Thursday, 29th January 2026

The much-anticipated LAWSA League officially kicks off today at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), as organisers have released the tournament format alongside comprehensive match rules and referee guidelines.

According to details made available by the organisers, the league will be played in two stages — a league phase followed by a knockout phase.

League Phase Format

During the league phase, the five participating teams will compete in a round-robin format, with each team playing every other team once, amounting to four matches per team.

Points will be awarded in line with standard football rules:

• 3 points for a win
• 1 point for a draw
• 0 points for a loss

At the conclusion of the league phase, the top four teams on the table will qualify for the knockout stage. Where teams are level on points, the following tiebreaker criteria will apply:

1. Goal difference
2. Head-to-head record
3. Yellow card count

Knockout Stage

The knockout stage will feature two-legged semifinals, with teams playing home and away fixtures. Winners will be determined by aggregate score over both legs.

The two semifinal winners will then advance to the final, which will be decided by a single match to crown the league champion.

Match Time and Squad Regulations

Organisers have emphasized strict adherence to match schedules and squad rules:

• All matches must kick off on or before 4:00 PM.
• A team not ready by 4:20 PM will forfeit the match, resulting in a 2–0 walkover victory for the opposing team.
• A minimum of seven players is required for a match to begin.
• Teams must submit a 21-man matchday squad (11 starters and 10 substitutes) at least one hour before kickoff.
• Only players listed in the submitted squad are eligible to participate.

Each team is permitted five substitutions across three windows, excluding halftime. Extra time allows for one additional substitution, with further allowances for severe injuries such as concussions at the referee’s discretion.

Disciplinary Rules and Fines

Discipline will be strictly enforced throughout the tournament:

• Yellow cards attract a ₦500 fine, payable before the team’s next match.
• Red cards attract a ₦1,000 fine and immediate dismissal.
• Two yellow cards in a single match result in a one-match suspension.
• Three yellow cards across three consecutive matches also attract a one-match ban, which resets afterward.
• Direct red cards may attract one or two-match bans, depending on the severity of the offence.

Complaints from coaches, players, or fans leading to disciplinary action will still attract applicable fines.

Referee Authority and Conduct

Referees have been granted full authority to manage matches. Their decisions are final, and any form of verbal or physical abuse towards match officials is strictly prohibited.

Fighting or violent conduct — involving players, officials, or fans — will result in automatic suspension and may lead to further disciplinary action by the organisers. No negotiations will be entertained on such matters.

Organisers have urged all players, coaches, and supporters to uphold fair play, respect for officials, opponents, and the rules of the game, noting that any act capable of bringing the competition into disrepute will be punished accordingly.

Source

This report is based on information released by the LAWSA League organisers via their official WhatsApp communication channel earlier today, Thursday, 29th January 2026.