Kwara United faces legal battle, ultimatum over N196 million sign-on fees debt
…….Management admits owing, promise to solve backlog issues
Kwara United FC faces imminent legal battle as a group of former players and officials demand the payment of N196 million in outstanding sign-on fees accrued from the 2014/2015 football season.
The aggrieved parties, represented by Exact Legal Associates, have given the club a seven-day deadline to settle the debt.
In a strongly worded letter, cited by The Informant247, the legal firm detailed the history of the unpaid dues and the group’s numerous attempts to resolve the issue amicably.
The club’s previous payment of N5 million, representing a mere 2.4% of the total amount owed, is deemed insufficient and has caused significant financial hardship for the former players and officials.
The group has threatened to escalate the matter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA if the outstanding payment is not made within the stipulated period. Efforts to reach the management of Kwara United FC for a response have been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, two former team captains, Onigbari Akeem and Sherif Jimoh, have appealed to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and resolve the crisis.
However, the management of Kwara United have admitted that it is aware of the unpaid entitlements of ex players of the club, saying that the chairman, Mr Kunbi Titiloye, has taken up the matter with relevant stakeholders.
Mr.Titiloye made this disclosure while reacting to a viral story of management owing some ex players of the club.
The club chairman, in a statement signed by club media officer, Ayodeji Ismail explained that the unpaid entitlements which are sign on fees of the affected players mostly predate the current management of the club
“That, regardless, club management is a continuum and we are looking towards solving the problem,”
He further appealed to Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to assist in settling the debts once and for all.
“We are aware of your unfortunate situation and we believe our sports loving and workaholic Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will sort the issues very soon”, he added.
Kwara United is currently preparing for the 2024/25 NPFL season as they have officially resumed on Monday.
Mr Titiloye also confirmed that Kwara United will participate in the 2024 Valuejet Preseason tournament in Ikenne, Ogun State.
