League Management Company (LMC), organizers of Globacom Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has pledged its resolve to give the welfare of players and staff of participating clubs topmost priority, ahead of kick-off of the 2015/2016 season.
LMC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko who made the disclosure during a Radio Nigeria (FRCN) network sports programme, said the Rules and Regulations governing the NPFL contains adequate provisions, processes and conditions of engagement of players and coaches as well as their rights and limitations.
On the isolated cases of non payment of salary arrears by few of the Clubs last season, the LMC boss disclosed that “16 clubs out of 20 were able to fulfill their financial obligations to their players”.
He added that the LMC would consider non sporting sanctions for violation of players’ welfare rule as from next season, while insisting on the provision of Bank guarantees as a pre-condition for participation in the league.
“We assure players and coaches that necessary measures would be put in place to ensure that their welfare is given a guaranteed placement in the coming season”, he explained.
Dikko, however, urged players and coaches to engage the services of intermediaries or agents to guide and educate them on contractual provisions and agreements as well as the Rules and Regulations framework of the League.
He also assured that the league will be better than last season, in terms of officiating, security and sponsorship, while appealing for stakeholders and fans to support their initiative.
“We appeal to teaming football fans to support the league by going to stadium to watch matches”, he stressed.
By Olisemeka Obeche