Crisis Looms In Delta Queens’ Camp Over Unpaid Wages
UNLESS urgent steps are taken by Delta State government, the camp of Delta Queens FC may be engulfed in crisis following alleged non payment of salary running into three months. Delta Queens, who are the defending champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League are currently battling relegation after series of poor results in this year’s league, a performance some of the players have ascribed to lack of funds. One of the players, who spoke with The Guardian, yesterday, alleged that their salary has not been paid for three months now. “Delta Queens are the defending champion, and as we speak, we are just three points above relegation. We have played nine matches so far, and we have just four games to go in the NWFL, and 12 matches in the FA Cup,” the player stated. Another player said; “I can tell you that the reason for Delta Queens poor performance this season is lack of funds. We love this club, and that is the reason some of us are still here. But there is a major challenge at hand.
The implications of non payment of salary, particularly for three months, give an edge for the players to go as free player to other clubs without any objection. That is the rule. Some of our rivals like Rivers Angels, Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens are waiting to grab some of us if something urgent is not done to arrest this ugly situation. Our coaches have not been paid as well,” she stated. Delta Queens’ next game will hold on March 20, and it was learnt, yesterday, that the club also owe accommodation rent of where the players are camping.
It was also learnt that apart from non payment of three months salary for the players and their coaches, winning bonuses have not also been paid to the players since the commencement of the seadon. No club official was ready to speak on the issue, yesterday. Meanwhile, Delta State Sports Commission is yet to be reconstituted since the tenure of former chairman, Tonobok Okowa, expired on February 11. A source hinted, yesterday, that the situation is giving the athletes and coaches serious concern, especially as the state is expected to begin preparation soon for defense of it’s National Sports Festival title in Ogun State. Some of the athletes and coaches are clamouring for the appointment of former player of Franger FC of Warri, Onoriode Oborevwori, whom they say, is the most qualified for the position because of his passion for sports and strong financial base as a hotelier.