Heartland FC in trouble as NPFL board orders club to settle overdue payables and pay compensation to ex-player
Heartland Football Club of Owerri is facing serious repercussions following a decision by the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). SportsRation reports.
In a letter dated June 13, 2024 and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, Heartland FC has been ordered to pay its former player, Abugu Izuchukwu Michael, his outstanding salaries and compensation for the unilateral termination of his contract.
The NPFL’s decision was made in favour of the player following a formal complaint lodged by his legal representative, Mr Kenneth Eze of Greenfields Law. The club was requested to defend the complaint but failed to respond, leading to a thorough review and the subsequent directive to pay the sum of NGN8,700,000.00 to the player.
In his reaction, Mr. Kenneth Eze commended the NPFL for protecting players’ contractual rights and financial entitlements, emphasising the need for consistent and strict enforcement of its decisions to preserve the league’s credibility and professional standards.
The decision has significant implications for Heartland FC, which has just recently been relegated from Nigeria’s elite football league.
The club’s General Manager, Mr Promise Nwachukwu, has yet to comment on the decision or outline plans to address the financial obligations, but fans of the club expect compliance with the NPFL’s directives to avoid damaging the club’s reputation and risking further sanctions and lawsuits.
