The Nigerian Professional Players’ Union (NPPU) has called for judicious disbursement of the funds recently recovered from some league sponsors with the help of the Anti-Graft Agency.
Austin Popo, General Secretary of the Union, in a statement on Wednesday expressed fears that there might be attempt in some quarters to divert the funds if not properly monitored.
Consequently, the Union says it has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Trade Union Congress, League Management Company and The Nigerian Football Federation asking for and pointing out the following reliefs that:
The money in question is generated from “collective image rights of players” therefore meant “primarily” for players and their interests.
The EFCC should help ensure that the recovered money is directly used to pay at least fifty (50%) percent of the salaries owed Players.
At least ten (10%) percent of the money should be directly made available to us as the only recognized players union, to energize and sustain the agitation for better labour rights of players in compliance with Article 3 of FIFA Statute.
The balance from the above should be disbursed to the clubs, who are meant to still use it for “player’s interests”.
This is a rare opportunity to pay players owed and financially activate us, their players union, anything short of the this would be unjust and an affront on “the spirit of the game”.
Also, the Union urged “all football stakeholders in Nigeria to remember that, football development is a four way traffic, covering the players, the clubs, the administrators and the fans/general public, none should be neglected.”
