Football supporters slam Heartland FC after club slashes players’ wages by half

Football fans have widely criticized Heartland Football Club for their decision to cut players’ pay in half after their loss to Plateau United. They have voiced concerns about the players’ well-being and the decision’s fairness.
In reaction to their recent loss against Plateau United, the Nigerian football team decided to significantly reduce the salaries of its players, halving their pay.

Both supporters and onlookers have expressed strong opinions on the wage reduction.

Godwin Roland criticized the club’s approach, calling for a modernization of football business practices and urging investment in player welfare to attract talent and support growth.

He said on Facebook, “This old style or doing football business, improve welfare of players sign big signing bring in more investors, splash more money talking non sssssss.”

Leema Taana expressed concern over the legality and fairness of such salary reductions, particularly if contracts are not performance-based. Richard Egbo lamented the impact on innocent players, attributing the decision to the governor’s leadership and questioning the dismissal of a successful coach.

“I think the League management should not allow this. I don’t know if it’s legal, if my contract isn’t performance based, you don’t place me on half salary.”

On his part, Anas Jafar stressed that the players “have a contract which must be honored regardless of the team’s performance. This is wrong.” He said.

The wage cut at Heartland FC has ignited a debate about the treatment of players in Nigerian football and the accountability of club management.

As the league management faces scrutiny over the decision, there are calls for transparency, fairness, and a focus on professionalism to ensure the well-being of players and the integrity of the sport.

Heartland Football Club of Owerri currently sits at the bottom of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after 22 matches decided.

The Imo-based club recorded only 18 points with three wins, 9 draws, and 10 defeats in the league campaign.