Matters Arising: Expulsion and Reinstatement of Giwa FC from NPFL by Malachy Ugwuanyi

By a Circular from the League Management Company (LMC), addressed to club chairmen/general managers dated 17th August 2016 and titled “Expulsion of Giwa FC from the Nigeria Professional Football League”, the LMC appeared to have in one swoop reinstated Giwa FC to the Nigerian League after months of expelling them, while directing that No club shall henceforth feature any player whose registration it acquired on the basis of the expulsion of Giwa FC, effectively withdrawing such registrations. 

The EX cathedra directive as contained in the circular is purportedly hinged on an interim Court Order emanating from the Plateau State High Court of justice. 

The order was made in a suit filed by one Mustaphar Abubakar – claiming to be acting for himself and on behalf of Giwa FC.

OUR CONCERNS

We cannot banter words, with the league Management Company for appearing to obey a court order,  and we cannot comment on the case because it is “SUB-JUDICE” but as a law abiding body whose sole interest is anchored on protection of Nigerian Professional Players in the League, it is pertinent we raise the following concerns;

The LMC decision to exclude players procured on the expulsion of Giwa FC, from playing for their new clubs, while the league continues without them is in itself highly discriminatory and a flagrant breach of both FIFA statute and its own NPFL Framework. ( See Article 3,4, 14 (i) 15 (c & e) and 4 of the FIFA Statute and The Preamble to the NPFL frame work 2016).

The exclusion of these players from playing matches would bear negatively on their livelihood, as most of them will not be paid, and are technically rendered club less by this directive.

Whatever events that lead to this “policy summersault” was never the fault of these players, since their contract with Giwa Fc became “RES EXTINTA”.

OUR DEMANDS    

We urge the League Management Company to prepare another circular directing and ensuring the clubs involved pay these players or take responsibility of paying the affected players and officials while they wait further outcomes from the court.

We wish to remind the league Management Company and all parties and stakeholders that the “interest” of players should always be paramount in footballing decision.

We wish to urge the League Management Company to continue obeying “The NFF Tribunal Decisions” to foster the rule of law and Sporting Justice

Yours in football Justice

Malachy Ugwuanyi Esq (Legal Adviser)

For The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballer (The Nigeria Players Union)