Financial scandal rocks NPFL-side, Bayelsa United, over alleged unpaid salaries

Posted : 07 February 2025

A concerned stakeholder has raised an alarm over a lingering alleged financial scandal in the camp of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Bayelsa United. He alleges that the club's players and staff have not received their match bonuses for the current season, despite the team's outstanding performances.

The source claimed that the total amount owed is approximately N14.4 million, with N12.6 million owed to the players and N1.8 million owed to the technical staff.

This development is particularly surprising given the Bayelsa State Government's previous commitment to prioritizing player welfare.

The deputy governor had stated that provisions were being made for match bonuses, yet the players and staff have not received their due compensation.

Furthermore, the stakeholder alleged that the management prioritizes paying referees' indemnities over settling the outstanding match bonuses of the players and staff. This is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the management's priorities.

"We must not forget the Benin saga, where the team had to endure immense pressure and hardship to remain in the top league this season.

"The players and staff made great sacrifices to ensure the team's survival, and it is only fair that they receive their due compensation.

"We urge the Commissioner of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Government to investigate this matter and take immediate action to ensure that the players and staff receive their match bonuses.

"We also request that the government provide clarity on the sponsorship packages and revenue generated by the team, as well as the utilization of these funds.

"From all indications and reliable sources, the players have not received match bonuses this season—covering 35 players and 5 technical staff members.

To calculate the total match bonuses for Bayelsa United, we break down the bonuses for each game as follows:

Home Game Bonuses
Bayelsa United 4-1 Sunshine Stars (Win) - N30,000
Bayelsa United 0-1 Abia Warriors (Loss) - N0
Bayelsa United 2-1 Akwa United (Win) - N30,000
Bayelsa United 1-0 Ikorodu City (Win) - N30,000
Bayelsa United 1-1 Katsina United (Draw) - N0
Bayelsa United 1-1 Enyimba (Draw) - N0
Bayelsa United 1-0 Heartland (Win) - N30,000
Bayelsa United 1-0 Plateau United (Win) - N30,000
Bayelsa United 4-1 Niger Tornadoes (Win) - N30,000
Bayelsa United 1-1 Kano Pillars (Draw) - N0
Total Home Game Bonuses: N210,000

Away Game Bonuses
Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa United (Draw) - N30,000
Abia Warriors 0-1 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
Remo Stars 2-0 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Bayelsa United (Draw) - N30,000
Shooting Stars 1-0 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
Rivers United 0-1 Bayelsa United (Win) - N60,000
Lobi Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
Bendel Insurance 3-0 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
Nasarawa United 0-0 Bayelsa United (Draw) - N30,000
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa United (Loss) - N0
Total Away Game Bonuses: N150,000
Total Match Bonuses: N360,000

To calculate the total amount owed to the players and technical staff:

Total Match Bonus per Individual: N360,000
Number of Players: 35
Number of Technical Staff: 5
Total Amount Owed to Players: 35 × N360,000 = N12,600,000
Total Amount Owed to Technical Staff: 5 × N360,000 = N1,800,000

Total Amount Owed: N12,600,000 + N1,800,000 = N14,400,000

"The players and staff of Bayelsa United deserve fair treatment and timely compensation for their hard work and dedication.

"We will continue to advocate for their rights and interests."

Officials of the Bayelsa State Sports Commission and members of the Bayelsa State Football Association have yet to comment on the matter.

Financial scandal rocks NPFL-side, Bayelsa United, over alleged unpaid salaries

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics