By Victor Kanayo
The Nigerian Government has explained that the decision to shutdown the League Management Company (LMC), the body responsible for managing the country’s apex domestic League, was not connected to the incoming Nigerian Football League elections slated for September 28, 2022.
This was disclosed by the Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, who revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has received in excess of N16 billion.
He said the closure of the Abuja head office of the LMC on Thursday was the government’s last resort to salvage the country’s football.
Some operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had stormed LMC headquarters located within Nigeria’s capital.
Prior before that the government dissolved LMC as the recognised operator of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last Friday.
A top official designated as the Permanent Secretary of the Youth and Sports Ministry, Ismaila Abubakar, had announced that the government no longer recognised the LMC as the sole agency licensed to organise and regulate the NPFL.
He premised the decision on the alleged maladministration of the League.
But fielding questions on the issue, the Sports Minister said the dissolution of the LMC was delayed for four months to allow for a workable solution.
Dare said, “As at May 25, 2022. Mr. President approved the dissolution of the LMC and directed that the NFF should set up an Interim Management Company because of clear evidence that our league was in dire straits. Between May and August, we did not issue a directive because we wanted the Premier League to complete its season without any disruption. But also, during that period, the Ministry made efforts to speak with those in charge. We never got any response.
“As we sit here, our league is on its deathbed. We know the nature of our domestic league. And just yesterday (Wednesday) I got a letter from the club owners. I met with them two weeks ago. I also met with the female football leaders. There’s a letter that came on September 1, I only got it yesterday stating clearly that they have numerous problems with the LMC running the league. Unpaid emoluments, referees are not paid, staff are not paid.
“So, in May 2022, there was a presidential directive and as a ministry, we applied reasonable judgment and delayed that communication. But at a point when the league ended, and we saw the continuous decline of our football, we thought it was the right time to take the necessary action. And that was what we did. There’s no connection between that decision with the NFF election, it stands alone.”
