NPFL issues final warning to clubs over unresolved payables and contract breaches

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board has issued a serious warning to clubs with overdue payables and contract breaches, giving them until Monday, October 14, 2024, to resolve the issues.

If not addressed by this deadline, the licenses of the clubs’ new players will be withdrawn indefinitely, potentially affecting their participation in the league. This follows an earlier grace period extended until Friday, October 11, 2024, by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players Status Committee.

Clubs facing complaints over overdue payables and contract breaches include Heartland FC, Shooting Stars SC, Bendel Insurance FC, Kwara United FC, Lobi Stars FC, El Kanemi Warriors FC, Abia Warriors FC, Enyimba FC, Katsina United FC, and Akwa United FC.

These clubs are dealing with various unresolved financial obligations and arbitration cases involving former players and coaches. Specific cases include Heartland FC with multiple complaints from players and coaches, Abia Warriors FC with claims totaling N15.15m, and Akwa United FC with a revalidated arbitration claim of N47m from 2015.

Additionally, the NPFL board has approved only 11 stadiums as suitable for hosting league matches this season. Clubs without an approved stadium must provide an alternative venue, or the board will make the decision for them.

The NPFL board has emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues, stating that failure to comply by the deadline will lead to significant consequences, including the withdrawal of licenses for new players.