Gifted Markson
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has introduced stricter regulations on clubs’ rights contracts, mandating that all agreements be vetted by the league before they become operational.
In a memo sent to the clubs, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, emphasized the importance of this rule, stating it would serve as a safeguard against potential abuses in the contractual process.
“All rights contracts to be entered into by any club shall first be subject to the vetting and approval of NPFL before execution. This rule serves as a safeguard to help prevent such abuses, and we expect strict adherence moving forward,” Owumi wrote.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the financial struggles faced by NPFL clubs, as the league body currently pays only N10 million to each club. This funding is seen as insufficient, leading to increased pressure on clubs to secure better deals independently.
However, with the new directive, clubs will now have to ensure that any commercial agreements they enter are first approved by the league to avoid conflicts and ensure transparency.
While the measure aims to bring order and protect clubs from exploitative deals, it raises questions about how clubs can boost their financial strength when league funding remains limited.
As the NPFL looks to grow the commercial viability of the league, this new rule could serve as both a protective measure and a hurdle for clubs seeking more lucrative opportunities.