Amao Charges NPL On League Sponsorship

The former Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Fatai Amao,
has urged the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) board to address problems of
sponsorship before the start of the new soccer league season.

He also wants appeals over matches that ended in
controversial circumstances to be resolved before the commencement of the
season.

Amao told newsmen in an interview that it was disturbing
that a league considered among the best in Africa could not attract a title
sponsor.

He said that the South Africa league was a good example of a
well-funded league and called on the private sector to show support in order to
revive the league.

“A major problem that has to be addressed before the next
season commences is the issue of sponsorship in our league.

“If it is said that our league is one of the best in the
continent, then we must ensure that it should reflect in the way it is ran.

“Moroka Swallows FC of South Africa were recently given 8
million Rand for winning the Cup Final; why can’t we equally get good
sponsorship deals as such,” he said.

He added it was unfortunate that the 2011/2012 league season
ended in controversy and advised that appeals to protests should be decided
within 48 hours of lodgment, after a match.

Amao, then, noted the need for issues concerning players’
sign-on fees, salaries and match allowances be tackled effectively in order to
enhance professionalism in the management of teams.

“The issue of salaries, match allowances and other
contractual agreements should be addressed effectively in order to show
professionalism in managing players’’.

The league 2011/2012 ended without a title sponsor. The Kano
Pillars were awarded the league title in controversial circumstances.