The leadership of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has adopted austerity measure following the delay in securing the League title money weeks after the commencement of the new season.
Impeccable source hinted The Eagle Online that the winner of the NPL Title Right, Total Promotion, is yet to pay the agreed fee into the coffers of the League Board.
Worried by the development, at its last board meeting in Abuja on January 5, the NPL board instructed the acting Executive Secretary, Tunji Babalola, to write a letter of reminder to the owners of TP.
In a four-year deal, the Title Right is valued over N2 billion with the NPL getting N550 million in the first year.
Determined to stick to the January 7 kick off date, the NPL leadership approached the broadcast right owner, Super Sport, and secured N30 million.
A source told The Eagle Online: “Since the board could not get the money from the Title Right owners, the N30 million received from Super Sport is being used to organise the league.
“In order to ensure smooth running of the league, the N30 million has been set aside for referees’ indemnities and three months’ salary of secretariat staff. Board meeting will now be convened only when it is ‘very necessary’ because there is no money for jamboree.”
Amid controversy, Total Promotion, widely believed to be representing telecommunications outfit, MTN Nigeria, won the bid ahead of Globacom last year.
Apparently unsatisfied with the process that produced TP, Globacom headed to court to seek redress.
However, following the intervention of authorities in the National Sports Commission (NSC) and well-meaning Nigerians, Globacom reportedly agreed to withdraw litigation.
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