NFF-PSAC’s Silence Raises Concerns Over Debt Sanctions

One week after the expiration of the 45-day compliance deadline issued by the Nigeria Football Federation Players’ Status Arbitration Committee (NFF-PSAC), the committee has yet to issue any statement or directive regarding non-compliance by several Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs.

The PSAC had earlier ruled in favor of several players and officials against clubs found guilty of contractual breaches, including unpaid wages and benefits.

Heartland FC, Plateau United, Enyimba International, Abia Warriors, and Shooting Stars were among those cited.

However, investigations by Sports247 confirm that only Shooting Stars Sports Club has thus far complied with the PSAC’s rulings.

Despite the clear deadline, the PSAC has remained mute, raising concerns over the enforcement of its own decisions and the broader implications for contractual discipline in Nigerian football.

A compliance officer with one of the national league bodies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that no communication has been received from the PSAC.

“We have not received any registration ban directives—maybe it’s because some leagues are still ongoing—but I believe the NFF must act swiftly,” the official said.

“They should write to the defaulting clubs, informing them of their failure to comply, and notify the league bodies immediately after the deadline lapses.”

The source advocated for a proactive and phased enforcement approach, taking into account the ongoing status of the various leagues.

“For clubs whose leagues are still in progress, the registration ban should take effect immediately. For those in the off-season, notices should be issued now so they clear their debts before the new campaign begins.”

He further stressed that their department is ready to implement any sanctions once authorized by the NFF-PSAC.

“We’re prepared to act. It’s critical to restore integrity by upholding rules and protecting the rights of players and officials.”

A football legal expert, Ekene Raymond, who also spoke to Sports247, emphasized that the PSAC should have already reported the matter to the NFF Disciplinary Committee, as stipulated under football governance frameworks.

“The NFF Disciplinary Committee is empowered to take enforcement actions. Apart from confirming the registration bans, they may impose further sanctions.”

” According to Article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code—adopted by the NFF—clubs who fail to comply with decisions must be granted a final 30-day deadline to pay, with an added interest of 18% per annum from the date the decision was issued.”

He provided a hypothetical example:

“A club ordered to pay ₦5 million but failing to do so within the initial 45-day PSAC deadline may face additional interest, pushing the amount to roughly ₦5.22 million over 60–90 days to be paid to the creditor, along with possible fines.”

As silence persists from the PSAC, stakeholders across Nigerian football are now watching closely for the next steps from both the committee and the NFF.

The episode underscores growing concerns about regulatory enforcement and the broader issue of financial responsibility in domestic football in Nigeria.

Sports247.ng