Lobi Stars’ Management Threatens To Sack Players Over Salary Dispute

In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian National League (NNL) club, Lobi Stars, have issued a stern warning to some of its players who have dared to voice concerns over unpaid wages, threatening them with dismissal.

The club’s senior media officer, Mr. Austin Tyowua, made this declaration in response to complaints from several players alleging selective payment practices by the management.

Speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP Sports, Tyowua refuted the claims of selective payment, asserting that all players are treated equally when it comes to salary disbursement. However, he did not mince his words when it came to the consequences of protesting these issues. “Any group of players that stages a protest regarding unpaid salaries will automatically receive their sack letters,” he warned.

The controversy seems to have arisen after a recent match against City FC of Abuja, which Lobi Stars won 1-0. It was alleged that some players who participated in this match received their salaries, while those who did not make the trip were left without payment. This discrepancy has led to further unrest within the squad.

When pressed for more details, Tyowua reiterated that there is no truth to the allegations of selective payment. “Previously, our salary payments were processed through Union Bank. However, some players and officials have accounts with different banks. The claim that the 22 players who participated in the Abuja match were paid is misleading; we only registered 20 players for NNL or NPFL matches,” he clarified, indicating that such misinformation only fuels unrest.

He explained that the club management is in the process of transitioning its salary payments to Novus Bank, a financial institution owned by the Benue State government, which also serves as a key financier for Lobi Stars. Tyowua elaborated on the rationale behind this move, stating, “We aim to provide our staff and players access to credit facilities and to support the government that finances our club.”

Tyowua detailed the technical issues that have hindered the salary payments. “The salaries were due to be paid on Tuesday, but there were complications with the bank transfer. The internet banking system was malfunctioning, causing delays in moving funds from Union Bank to Novus Bank. It wasn’t until yesterday that the chairman decided to process payments through Union Bank to ensure all players and staff received their dues in their respective old accounts.”

Despite these explanations, Tyowua acknowledged that there have been complaints not just from players, but from management and backroom staff as well. “This is not solely a player issue; it is a technical matter linked to our banking transition,” he emphasised.

Lobi Stars has a squad of 62 players, of which 40 have been registered for the current season. Tyowua highlighted that the club has consistently paid all 62 players throughout the season, making the claims of selective payment seem unfounded.

In a final note, Tyowua reiterated the consequences of any protest. “If players choose to go ahead with their protest, they will only be jeopardising their positions within the club. It’s important for them to check with the management regarding their salary concerns instead of jumping to conclusions,” he warned. “If we decide to terminate someone’s contract, we will do so appropriately, but we will not simply stop paying them without due process.”

The situation at Lobi Stars remains tense as the players navigate their concerns against the backdrop of management’s firm stance.