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Bayelsa United should tread carefully in handling the issue surrounding the player transfer agreement with Nembe City Football Club, dated March 14, 2014. The team’s current struggle to remain in the elite league makes it crucial to avoid any potential suspension from participation in the league according to the regulations guiding the league ¹.
The agreement’s history is complex, with Nembe City Football Club taking the matter to court. Poubeni, the then Chairman of the FA, intervened, and Hon. Moses Teibowei assisted in resolving the issue. A part payment of ₦3 million was made to Nembe City leading to the Terms of Settlement adopted as a consent judgment by the Federal High Court in March, 2023.
However, things took a new turn when PFAN obtained a restraining order against the Bayelsa State Football Association Board led by Poubeni, he then claimed that the ₦3 million was his personal money, lent to Chief Baribote and that the actual amount owed to Nembe City was ₦10 million, not ₦15 million. While from the Terms of Settlement it is very clear that the amount is ₦15 million. The development may lead Nembe City to approach the court again to demand the outstanding amount and other ancillary claims since the consent judgment seems to be obtained by fraud.
Bayelsa United must navigate this situation carefully, considering their precarious position in the league. The team’s management should prioritize transparency and compliance with the regulations to avoid any further litigations and complications that will bring distraction to Bayelsa United.
The ongoing dispute between Bayelsa United and Nembe City Football Club regarding the players transfer agreement dated March 14, 2014, may lead to severe sanctions and consequences for Bayelsa United. The team’s current struggle to remain in the elite league exacerbates the situation.
Possible Sanctions:
1. *Suspension from* *participating in the* *League: Bayelsa United may face points deductions, which could further jeopardize their position in the league.
2. *Financial Penalties*: The team may be liable for financial penalties, including the outstanding amount of ₦10 million claimed by Nembe City.
3. *Relegation*: In extreme cases, Bayelsa United might face relegation to a lower division, depending on the league’s regulations and the severity of the infraction.
4. Loss of Sponsorship and Revenue*: The negative publicity surrounding the dispute may lead to a loss of sponsorship and revenue for Bayelsa United, making it even more challenging for the team to recover.
Regulatory Actions:
1. *Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) The NFF might be dragged into the dispute, potentially leading to further sanctions or penalties for Bayelsa United.
2. *Premier League Board (NPFL) Sanctions*: The League body may impose sanctions in line Article *B9.45*of the League Framework on Bayelsa United, including Suspension from participating in the League meaning donating points possible relegation.
3. *Court Rulings*: The dispute may lead to court rulings that could result in suspension, penalties, or other sanctions for Bayelsa United.
Repercussions for Bayelsa United:
1. *Damage to Reputation*: The ongoing dispute may damage Bayelsa United’s reputation, making it challenging to attract sponsors, players, and fans.
2. *Financial Instability*: The potential financial penalties and loss of revenue may lead to financial instability for Bayelsa United, making it difficult for the team to operate sustainably.
3. *Loss of Competitive Edge*: The dispute may distract the team and disrupt their focus on the league, leading to a loss of competitive edge and potentially relegation.
In conclusion, Bayelsa United must address the dispute with Nembe City Football Club promptly and transparently to avoid severe sanctions and consequences. The team’s management should prioritize compliance with the regulations and negotiate a resolution to the dispute to avoid distractions ensure their survival in the elite league.
Augustine inanumo
Sports enthusiasts and stakeholder
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