COVID-19: NFF mandates Leagues to ensure players, coaches’ salaries are protected

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has mandated the various leagues in the country to ensure the salaries of players, coaches and other staff of clubs are not tampered with.

This directive is coming amid the coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the world and has put to a halt all sporting activities in Nigeria and abroad.

“The NFF has mandated the Leagues to work to ensure players, coaches and other employees’ salaries are protected and should liaise with club owners to ensure players are paid accordingly,” a statement by the football governing body read

“That the domestic league must be protected to ensure its commercial viability is sustained and the competition’s integrity upheld both in the current circumstances and post Covid-19 pandemic.”

The NFF, in the statement, also mentioned that football activities would return as soon as the COVID-19 crisis was over, adding that the current Professional League (NPFL) season would then be concluded within eight weeks.

Read Also: Super Falcons to be specially celebrated at 2020 NFF Awards — Pinnick

The NFF suspended football activities across the country, including street football on March 19, to help contain the spread of the virus.

At the time, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) had already played 25 games before the league was suspended.

“The current football season will be concluded within six to eight weeks of the re-opening of the country and a clear go-ahead by the relevant authorities is obtained to commence football activities.

“The format to be adopted upon the resumption of football activities regarding the completion of the various Leagues and Cup competition will be determined by the time available, health and security guidelines, as well as decisions by global football authorities on the football calendar and international competitions (Caf and Fifa).

“The Honourable Minister is working on many channels including but not limited to the setting-up of an Athletes Protection Fund (driven by the private sector) and sourcing for intervention/support funding that could be utilised to support athletes and sports, including the football industry affected by this pandemic.”

Jos club, Plateau United are currently leading the pack in the topflight, with 49 points while Rivers United and Lobi Stars follow in the second and third spots respectively.

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