LMC warns debtor clubs

Worried by the spate of recent reports and outcome of its internal checks mechanism on the implementation of players’ contracts and payment of their remunerations, the Executive Board of the League Management Company, through the office of the Chairman, Hon. Nduka Irabor, has stepped in to warn Clubs of the consequences of breaching applicable provisions of the Nigeria Professional Football League Framework and Rules, 2013/14 season.
“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,” Irabor wrote in the three page heart-to-heart letter addressed to clubs chairmen, and dated July 9.
Towards ensuring substantial compliance with its Financial Requirements, the LMC has also through a memo signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar, directed clubs to submit proof of compliance to payment of players’ salaries.
The memo reads: “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.”
The LMC said the proof of compliance is to be submitted by July 18 and warned 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”.