The Club owners of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, have threatened to boycott this years Federation Cup other wise known as Aiteo Cup unless the organizers provides financial support for clubs.
In a communiqué raised after their meeting held at Hotel Reno Abuja on Monday which was made public, the club owners said the financial constrain of executing these games would not be easy for them considering the financial situation they are facing.
They however said if, the NFF/Aiteo can provide financial cushion it would enable them to take part even as they demanded that NFF redeems the prize money won by Kano Pillars FC in the last edition in 2019.
According to the communiqué which was signed by the communiqué drafting committee, Elder Paul Brassy, Dr Okey Kpalukwu, Prince Abdulsamed Badamasi and Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the group among other points said;
“The Club Owners after a Critical examination of the schedule provided for the 2021 Aiteo cup, paucity of funds and congestion in the league fixtures, unanimously resolved to withdraw participation in the Aiteo cup except if otherwise provided with intervention funds. It further called on the NFF to immediately pay to Kano Pillars FC the outstanding prize money for the last Aiteo Cup.
“The meeting reviewed the on going 2021 NPFL season and commended the Clubs and other stakeholders for their sacrifices to keep the league going despite the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic cum global economic crisis.
“The Meeting condemned in strong terms the spate of violence at some league venues and enjoined the LMC to strictly apply the rules accordingly. That state Football Association instead of clubs should be held accountable for any breach of peace at league venues since they are responsible for the provision of security.
“The Association appeal to the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 through the NFF and the Ministry of youth and sports to allow fans into the stadia as obtained in other Football nations of the world with strict adherence to all health protocols.
“Club Owners observed that there is a communication gap between the Association, LMC and the NFF , it therefore called for a robust closer ties amongst the three tiers for effective management of Football matters as they affect the clubs, the league and the Federation.
“The Meeting commended the leadership of the NFF Referees committee, NRA and all the officials for the improved officiating so far in the League and urged them to consolidate on the success even as the league moves to the crucial stages.
“The meeting praised the League Management Company LMC for sustaining the NPFL.TV which has given the league a boost and enjoined all Football stakeholders and fans subscribe to the NPFL.TVchannel.
“Club Owners observed that with the renewed efforts by the NFF to strengthen the ties amongst the relevant stakeholders viz a viz the anticipated review of the statutes, it asked the Federation to include the 20 NPFL clubs into the congress of the NFF with the attendant voting rights.
“The meeting observed with deep concern that in the last four seasons the NPFL had no sponsors which has indirectly affected the progress of the league, it therefore tasked the LMC to ensure that it secures sponsorship for the League before the end of the season, otherwise the club Owners would have no other choice than to step in.
