By George Aluo
Club Owners Association of Nigeria has declared that clubs are not to be blamed for the violence face of the league insisting that state FAs should be held responsible for the breaches witnessed at different venues.
The Club Owners who met in Abuja in a Communique made available to the media also stated that the want fans back to their games.
Below is the Communique which was drafted by a four-man committee headed by Elder Paul Bassey of League leaders, Akwa United.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE NPFL CLUB OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA HELD ON MONDAY 28TH JUNE 2021 AT HOTEL RENO ABUJA.
1- 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.
2- 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.
3- 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.
4- 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.
5- 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.
6- 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 to subscribe to the NPFL.TV channels.
7- Club Owners observed that with the renewed efforts by the NFF to strenthen 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.
8- 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.
9- 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.
Communique Drafting committee
1- Elder Paul Bassey
2- Dr. Okey Kpalukwu
3- Prince Abdulsamad Badamasi
4- Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka
