Onambula United FC Promoted to Namibia Premier League After Eleven Warriors FC Rule Out
Onambula United FC have been officially declared champions of the North West Stream First Division and promoted to the Namibia Premier League after league leaders Eleven Warriors FC were ruled ineligible for promotion.
Eleven Warriors FC finished the season at the top of the standings and were initially crowned champions. However, their promotion was blocked by Articles 20.6 and 20.7 of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Statutes, which prevent clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same division.
The regulation affects Eleven Warriors FC because the club shares ownership ties with Mighty Gunners FC, who are already competing in the Namibia Premier League.
Attempts were reportedly made to overcome the restriction through changes to the club’s identity and ownership structure, but these measures did not resolve the issue.
With Eleven Warriors FC unable to take the promotion spot, Onambula United FC, who finished second, have been awarded the championship and will join Namibia’s top-flight football league.
The application of Articles 20.6 and 20.7 has affected three clubs during this season’s promotion process. Apart from Eleven Warriors FC, Kunene Nampol FC and Correctional 11 FC were also ruled ineligible to participate in the North West First Division promotion playoffs due to the same regulations.
The decisions have highlighted the impact of the NFA Statutes on club eligibility and promotion pathways, with ownership structures becoming a key factor in determining whether teams can advance through the football league system.
