RIVERS – Players of Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United have cried over alleged pay cut subjected them to by the management, without explanation.
Some of the players who spoke with Daily Sunsports claim that they have been unfairly treated and financially deprived despite their remarkable performance in the recent continental competition.
According to the aggrieved players, the pay cut was an unfair distribution of the financial rewards associated with their successful continental campaign.
One of the players said “when I signed to the team my money was N550.000 but was paid N450.000 while it was later reduced to N213.000 at the end of April.
Another player said his agreed salary was N700, 000 but was paid N332.000 in March while in April he was paid N308.000.
Yet another lamented that his monthly package was pegged at N650.000 but he was surprised to receive N308.000 at the end of April.
The players added that they were promised substantial bonuses and incentives by the club’s hierarchy for their efforts in the competition. However, upon returning from their journey, they were shocked to discover that the promised rewards were not fulfilled.
Expressing their frustration, one of the affected players stated, “We put our hearts and souls into representing Rivers United on the continental stage. We expected the management to honor their commitments and reward us accordingly.
“It is disheartening to be treated this way, especially after the sacrifices we made for the club.”
The players urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to take note of the players’ grievances and investigate the matter, while calling on other relevant bodies, intends to ensure that the players’ rights are protected and that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Responding to the allegation, the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Chris Green, while not denying the pay cut, said the players’ contract allows for performance-based remuneration.
“Although I don’t interfere in the club’s management affairs, I am aware that they have performance-based contracts. Rivers State government doesn’t owe players, rather we make them comfortable. They have a well-equipped camp and we feed them three times a day.”
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