Stopping Osun Coaches, Players’ Salaries Violates FIFA Rule, SWAN Tells Oyetola

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has flayed Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, for stopping salaries of contract coaches; players of Osun United Football Club as well as Osun Babes FC.

The sports writers said this action was a violation of the Federation of International Football Association rule and that such action could attract sanctions.

The SWAN in a statement jointly signed by the Acting Chairman, Tope Alabi and Secretary, Timothy Agbor on Sunday described the suspension of the salaries of players and coaches without any formal notification or meeting by the management of the club as a breach of contract punishable under FIFA rules.

They said the state based its decision to suspend salaries of the affected persons on the COVID-19 hiatus, while urging the governor to lift the suspension.

The SWAN said the sanctions for such actions were very heavy, saying they could make the team to.go under.

The association said, “Our position is that this decision is not acceptable because it will further compound the woes of these football players, coaches and athletes during this trying time.”

“Also, since these players’ contracts are still active, it is not proper to stop or suspend their salaries until they see out their contracts with the club. Therefore, this abrupt salary stoppage without mutual consent connotes a breach of the contractual agreement and it is punishable under the football law.”

“Article 13 of FIFA rules, state that a contract between a professional player and a club may only be terminated upon expiry of the term of the contract or by mutual agreement.”

“Article 16 similarly state that a contract cannot be unilaterally terminated during the course of a season.

“Article 17 of FIFA rules state that club in breach of contract or found to be inducing a breach of contract during the protected period will also have to pay compensation and have sporting sanctions imposed.

“If a club signs a player who has terminated his contract without just cause, there will be a presumption that the club has induced the player to commit a breach. The club will be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for two registration periods.”