Osun United React To The Suspension Of Salaries By The State Govt

Osun United React To The Suspension Of Salaries By The State Govt

Tajudeen Amodu

The management of Osun United says it has formally received the letter from the Ministy of Youth and Sports, through Osun State Sports Council confirming the suspension of other salaries from where the state football clubs and athletes are being paid.

The letter, signed by the Acting General Manager, Osun State Sports Council, Mr. Rotimi Dunmoye, addressed to the Secretary, Osun United FC partly reads "payments to staffers on other salaries including Osun United Football Club are suspended forthwith as approved by Mr. Governor."

Quoting the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Mr. Yemi Lawal, the letter further explains that "in view of the suspension of sporting activities across the country, the action becomes inevitable".

Reacting, President of Osun United, Chief Ademola Adesina urges the Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to consider the global best practice which forbids abrupt stoppage of salaries of footballers who are under contractual agreements with a club.

The former Super Eagles player also enjoins Governor Oyetola to emulate other states in Nigeria who continue to promptly pay salaries of the state owned teams since the suspension of sporting activities due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

The former Shooting Stars of Ibadan mercurial midfielder who lauds the relentless efforts of the state government on the regular payments of workers salaries, appeals to Governor Oyetola to consider the multiplier effects the salary stoppage will have at this period where citizens are finding it difficult to provide means of livelihood due to the challenges of Covid-19.

"Apart from the fact that contracts of our players have not been officially terminated, if salaries are stopped during this period, the living standard of beneficiaries from this medium will nosedive because of the current situation of the country which has been badly affected by Covid-19".

"We therefore appeal to the State Government to look into the matter and lift the suspension on the salaries of Osun United, Osun Babes, their boards as well as contract coaches and athletes in the state", concluded Chief Adesina.