The Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa has re-emphasised the stand of the FA to go against any of its affiliates that are involved in the organisation of football competitions without the prior notice of the football controlling body in the state.
According to Mallam Idris, popularly known as Thuraya, Kwara FA are the custodians of football in the state, and will continue to exercise its responsibilities which includes organising, supervising and controlling the development of the round leather game.
“As the custodians of football therefore, we must ensure strict compliance with rules as it concerns medical, security and other measures, to protect the interest of all parties involved.
The FA had on Thursday, in a letter sent to Chairmen and Team Managers of NPFL, NNL, NLO clubs and all its affiliates, and signed by its Secretary, Kashim M. Agaka, titled: “Re:Notification on organising and attending football programmes without approval” warned them against participating in unapproved programmes.
The letter was copied to the NFF, through its Secretary General, the Chairman of NPFL, the Chairman of NNL and the Chairman of the NLO.
Part of the contents of the letter states: “I am directed to write on behalf of the Kwara State Football Association to inform you that it is against the Kwara FA Statutes to organise or attend any football programmes without the consent and approval of the FA.
“Any football programme organisers must seek for the consent and approval of Kwara FA before such a programme should be executed, in line with the provisions in the Statutes.
According to Thuraya, “the rules are clear. We are talking about organised football, not street football. Regulations guiding the game is from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), to the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), down to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), State FAs and Local Football Councils, and the affiliates must all key into this.
“Article 8.1 of the Statutes of Kwara State Football Association outlined that Local Football Councils, NPFL team or teams, the Players’ Union, the State chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), the State Badged Referees, the Leagues and government are subordinates of the Kwara FA on football development matters.
“Article 38.1 and 8.5 clarified that all football players shall be registered by the clubs with their respective Local Football Councils, and any player who has not been properly registered and who takes part in any competition not approved by the Kwara FA or its affiliates shall be sanctioned.
Explaining more on classification of clubs, he said: Article 37.1 said, “Clubs shall be interpreted to include social groups, educational institutions, professional bodies, corporate bodies, commercial and/or industrial bodies, youth organisations and others, interested in organising football.
“Therefore, each club shall comply with, and enforce compliance with the Statutes, rules and regulations and decisions of the Kwara FA among its players, officials and supporters, according to Article 37.4a of the Statutes.
