Lobi Stars hit by cash crunch-Players, officials grumble

Trustsports gathered from impeccable source in the club that contrary to reports that the financial status of the club is in order, the club is only managing to stay afloat. The club official who pleaded for anonymity told our correspondent that following the privatization of the hitherto state owned club, the state government is no […]

Trustsports gathered from impeccable source in the club that contrary to reports that the financial status of the club is in order, the club is only managing to stay afloat.

The club official who pleaded for anonymity told our correspondent that following the privatization of the hitherto state owned club, the state government is no longer committed to the club like before.

Our source explained that unlike before that the state government used to release millions of naira to the management of the club for payment of players and officials sign on fees, match bonuses and other allowances, the present management of the club is expected to source for funds to settle the club’s financial needs.

It was gathered that contrary to reports that all players’ outstanding salaries and allowances have been paid courtesy of money released to the club by the state government, it was only two months out of the accumulated salaries that was paid the players.

Apart from the players no other club official was paid any amount of money, a development which has sent tongues wagging.

According to the source “morale in the club is at its lowest ebb. We have not been for so many months now. Even the players who needed to be pacified were paid only two months salaries. Considering the fact that even the amount that government released to the club was grossly insufficient, there was no need for those of us who are officials to complain. Attention was given to the players who had threatened to go on strike”.

“As things stand, the club may not be able to achieve much because I can not say for sure what may happen in the weeks ahead. The players and members of the technical crew are willing to give their best but for how long will they continue to bear the deplorable situation”.

The club official blamed the club’s financial predicament on the unresolved issues in the contract between the state government and the present owners of the club.

 “It is true that Lobi Stars FC has been privatized but I can tell you that the process is not yet completed. Consequently, one can not say for sure who is to take the blame. It appears as if government is still interested in funding and controlling the club”.

In addition, an integral member of the team’s playing staff who creaved for anonymity told Trustsports that they were paid only two months salaries.

He said while some players were paid a paltry N200,000 and N100,000 as sign on fees, majority of the players received nothing.

Meanwhile, Trustsports gathered from Makurdi fans that the problem of Lobi Stars FC is then present management which has fallen out of favour with top ranking state government officials.

According to some supporters of the club, even the state governor, Gabriel Suswam is not comfortable with the present management of the club hence he is no longer interested in pumping money into the club.

It was also gathered that after so much persuasion, the state government appears to have opted for a full scale probe of the activities of the management of Lobi Stars.

Trustsports gathered from informed sources that the state government has set up a committee which is silently investigating the club’s management team and would soon emerge with its findings.

It will be recalled that before the commencement of the current season, it was announced that Lobi Stars FC was privatized with Mr. Mohammed Idewor and former vice-Chairman of the club, Mr. Dominic Iorfa appointed president and Chief Executive respectively.