2024/2025 NPFL: Nasarawa United FC mgt clears air on purported FIFA ban

Posted : 19 December 2024

The management of Nasarawa United FC, Lafia, on Wednesday debunked online reports regarding an impending ban by FIFA, the world’s apex governing body of football.

The Solid Miners stated in a communiqué that the report was unfounded and untrue.

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"We have taken note of recent spurious and misleading claims made by our foreign central defender of Ghanaian descent, Desmond Agbekpornu, on social media and other platforms, allegedly written by one Taye Adigun, an online journalist, who titled it: 'NASARAWA UNITED RISKS FIFA BAN.'

"Contrary to the player's allegations, we categorically deny that he has not been paid his salary for five months. All staff and players’ salaries, including Desmond Agbekpornu, are paid promptly and in accordance with their contracts.

"The only pending payments are for the two months' arrears for newly recruited players, which were delayed due to some technical and operational bureaucracies. However, these delays are aimed at providing stability and efficiency.

"Aside from the established players and staff of the club, Desmond Agbekpornu, like other new players, joined the team from Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan. His contract began in September 2024, barely one week after the current management of the club was appointed by the Nasarawa State Government. This means that the said player has only worked for three months, not the five months he claims.

"After mutual agreements between the club and the state government to review players' and other staff's salaries for optimum performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and other competitions, the newly acquired players were paid one month’s (November) salary. The arrears for September and October are expected to be paid before the end of this year (December 2024).

"Furthermore, we refute Desmond Agbekpornu’s claims that his sign-on fee of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,500,000.00) has not been paid.

"Suffice it to state that Nasarawa United FC does not pay nor negotiate sign-on fees with players. The club only pays an enhanced salary to its players, which is spread across their monthly salaries, not in a one-off lump sum.

"The said player should provide evidence of any contractual agreement that shows a negotiated sign-on fee of the amount he claims.

"The management of Nasarawa United certainly engages with other clubs to secure the services of a player who attracts their interest and pays the transfer fees directly to the player's parent club based on the contractual agreement. However, the club does not pay sign-on fees to woo players or compensate for lost wages or transfer fees.

"Regarding the Ghanaian’s claim that his contract with the club has been terminated, we wish to state that this is also entirely false.

"Desmond Agbekpornu signed a one-year contract with Nasarawa United, valid for the duration of the 2024/25 NPFL season, but tied to performance-related clauses.

"He was only urged by the coaching staff to improve his performance or risk losing his place as the team intensifies efforts to improve its current position in the league.

"Desmond Agbekpornu remains a player of Nasarawa United FC and is expected to fulfill his contractual obligations, particularly in terms of performance.

"We view the player's actions of going to the media as ill-advised and a deliberate attempt to bring the club into disrepute and damage its reputation.

"We will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against him or any other player or staff member under contract with the team for any unprofessional conduct.

"We assure our fans, sponsors, and stakeholders that Nasarawa United remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity," the club concluded.

2024/2025 NPFL: Nasarawa United FC mgt clears air on purported FIFA ban

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