By Albert Akota
Following reports of unpaid wages to players in the Nigeria Professional Football Lague (NPFL), the League management Company (LMC) which is responsible for the Nigeria League has warned clubs on the implementation of players’ contracts and payment of their remunerations.
The Executive Board of the LMC through the office of the Chairman, Hon. Nduka Irabor has stepped in to warn clubs of the consequences of breaching applicable provisions of the Nigerian Professional Football League Framework and Rules, 2013/14 season.
The LMC chairman, Nduka Irabor, who wrote a three page letter to NPLF clubs Chairmen yesterday stated clearly the LMC’s unhappiness over how clubs have treated issues of player’s wages.
“It has variously been reported that some of you have arbitrarily terminated Players’ contracts, some have unilaterally changed and imposed new contract terms on players and some have failed to pay the stipulated player’s remuneration with the result that players are owed several months in arrears.
“There have been reports also of the deplorable situation in at least one club where the players have embarked on strike en-mass to press their demand for their entitlements. These unwelcome reports, where established, are violations of Rules 9.42, 9.44 and 9.45.”
The body also set July 19 as deadline for clubs to submit proof of compliance with its Financial Requirements.
The statement added that the LMC shall, in line with the regulations, apply sanctions of specific nature on clubs found to have been in breach of obligations to players and also take other steps it deems proper to safeguard the interest of players and all stakeholders”.
“Pursuant to powers granted the LMC by Rule 8.1.1 of NPFL Framework and Rules for the 2013/2014 Season which deals with Club Finance, I have been directed to request that you submit the following documents for verification of your club’s compliance with regulations on players salaries.
Club Pay roll (electronic or hardcopy), evidence of payment (Bank transfers or signed pay vouchers) and any other proof club may deem fit to submit”, reads a memo signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the LMC Salihu Abubakar.
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