UNAPOLOGETIC: THE UNACCEPTABLE REALITY OF UNPAID SALARIES IN THE NPFL
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has been plagued by a persistent and shameful issue:
the non-payment of salaries to players, officials, and staff by some clubs. This unacceptable reality is a stark reminder of the deep-seated problems that have long afflicted Nigerian football.
Despite the efforts of the League Management Company
(LMC OR IMC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to promote professionalism and transparency in the NPFL, some clubs have consistently failed to meet their obligations to their employees.
The most egregious offenders are, surprisingly, state government-owned clubs, which have access to taxpayers’ money.
THE NPFL STANDARD PLAYER CONTRACT:
A Binding Agreement.
Article 11 of the NPFL Standard Player Contract is clear:
clubs are liable for failing to settle entitlements due to players within 30 days.
This article is mandatory, not optional, and its provisions are designed to protect the rights of players and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect.
However, despite the clarity of this provision, some NPFL clubs have continued to flout the rules with impunity. The consequences of this negligence are dire:
players are left without salaries, officials are unpaid, and staff are denied their entitlements. This is unacceptable and condemnable.
THE IMPACT ON PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS.
The non-payment of salaries has a devastating impact on players and officials.
Many are forced to go without basic necessities, such as food and shelter, while others are left to struggle with debt and financial insecurity.
The stress and anxiety caused by this situation can also have a profound impact on their mental and physical health.
Furthermore, the non-payment of salaries undermines the integrity of the NPFL.
It creates a situation where players and officials are forced to prioritize their personal financial interests over their professional obligations.
This can lead to a breakdown in team cohesion and a lack of motivation, which can ultimately affect the quality of the game.
A CALL TO ACTION
Unapologetic is sounding the alarm on this shameful practice and calling on the affected NPFL clubs to settle their outstanding salaries and entitlements without delay.
We urge the NPFL Board, NNL, and NWFL Boards to take immediate action to address this issue.
The NPFL Board must investigate this matter thoroughly and take decisive action against clubs that are found to be in breach of the NPFL Standard Player Contract.
The Board must also work with the NFF and the LMC to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent this issue from recurring in the future.
Furthermore, we call on the state governments that own these clubs to take responsibility for their actions.
It is unacceptable that taxpayers money is being used to fund these clubs, while players and officials are left without salaries.
A NEW ERA FOR NIGERIAN FOOTBALL.
The time has come for a change.
The NPFL must be run professionally, with transparency and accountability. Clubs must be held to the highest standards, and those that fail to meet these standards must be sanctioned.
Unapologetic will continue to shed light on the issues plaguing Nigerian football.
We will not relent in our efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the NPFL.
The time for change is now.
We demand a new era for Nigerian football, one where players and officials are treated with dignity and respect, and where the integrity of the game is paramount. Anything less is unacceptable.
EBBYZYMORE NUMA
UNAPOLOGETIC, UNBIASED, UNCOMPROMISED MASSES ADVOCATE.
