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All matches involving FC Taraba in the Nigeria National League (NNL) have been placed on hold following the inability of the Jalingo side to settle outstanding payments and arrears owed players who featured for the club last season.
Secretary of the NNL, Mr. Lawrence Katken said until the management of FC Taraba complies with the decision of the 2015 Annual General Assembly of the NFF on payment of backlog of salaries and allowances to players, the club will play no part in the Nigeria league.
“Football is governed by rules and rules are meant to be obeyed. We have no choice but to implement the decision of the Congress. We always have to ensure clubs in the NNL are ready to run because they move to the Premier League from the NNL. It beholves on us to direct them well,” said Katken.
Katken said the Football Associations in Taraba State and that of the FCT, as well as management of FC Taraba and their scheduled opponents for the League opener, Supreme Court FC, have been duly informed. This means that Supreme Court will have to discontinue their preparation for the match against FC Taraba billed for Sunday.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigeria National League Adhoc Committee, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi is happy that the second tier League body has surmounted all odds to ensure the commencement of the 2015/16 Season.
Akinwunmi, who is also 1st Vice President of the NFF, said clubs will no longer bear the burden of paying officials’ indemnities, noting that his committee is out for complete fairness in the League.
Barrister Akinwunmi insisted the NNL must be seen as big business. “The League has come to stay. Our plan is to see that it grows better and all the clubs must ensure that they contribute to its success, so that a lot of sponsors and funds can roll in and everyone will benefit.”
On the 2015/16 Season, Akinwunmi said: “I am expecting a very competitive League. You know, the clubs are itching to play. I have watched a lot of friendly matches between clubs preparatory to the league kick-off and I am impressed.”
The NNL kicks off on Sunday with a total of 15 games.