NSC Approves Code of Conduct for National Teams.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reportedly approved the Code of Conduct drawn by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the national teams.

The issue of players’ discipline has always been a problem in African football and, just recently almost halted Nigeria’s participation at the FIFA Confederation Cup after the Super Eagles chose to abort a scheduled flight to Brazil because of bonus row between them and the football federation.

According to Thisday, such will not repeat itself at the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a draft of the document which applies to all the national teams sent to the commission by the NFF was approved ahead of Friday’s draw in Salvador- where the Super Eagles have been pitted against the wit of Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina football teams.

It was also confirmed that a copy of the document has been sent to the Presidency to prevent any misrepresentation in the future.

The Super Eagles has now lost the right to negotiate increase in match bonuses/allowances different from the agreed price a the start of the year.

“Players should not discuss or attempt to negotiate matters of allowances and bonuses while in camp.

Super Eagles Has Lost the Right to Appeal for Wage Increases in Camp.
Super Eagles Has Lost the Right to Appeal for Wage Increases in Camp.

“Payment structure for allowances and bonuses as well as flights and accommodation entitlement shall be determine by the NFF at the beginning of every year of engagement in consideration of the competitions/tournaments at hand and the financial standing of the Federation.

“All prospective players in the national teams shall be informed of this payment structure and entitlements accordingly. It must be noted that once these are agreed at the beginning of the year, they should not be subject subjected to negotiation or review until the beginning of another year,” the approved code of conduct obtained by Thisday stipulated.

Also, unlike in the past when players agitate for their share of participation fees paid the NFF by FIFA at the end of each World Cup, the new code of conduct stipulates that they are not entitled to any percentage of such money accruing to the federation.

“Players are not entitled to any share of participation fees from governing bodies of football paid to national associations,”

It said that all grievances by players, including allowances and bonus-related grievances by players are to be channeled through the team captain to the Team Secretary who will then write to the office of the General Secretary of the NFF accordingly.

It also abolished former practice of physically paying players and technical crew match allowances. “Players are to provide bank account number and details for payment of allowances and bonuses or any other such entitlements. With the exception of daily camp allowances, under no circumstances will cash payments be made.

“All payments due to the players shall be paid to their respective accounts within seven days of becoming due,” emphasised the document.

The objectives of this code of conduct, according to the NFF, “is to promote harmonious and professional relationship among all actors in the national team taking overall cognizance of FIFA code of ethics and all such other codes aimed at protecting the integrity of the game of football. This code seeks to provide the tools to manage and promote responsible citizenship and enhance the positive image of the Nigeria through sports.”

It admitted that while nothing in the code of conduct abridges or tampers with the rights of players as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “it is recognized however, that as members of the national team, players are ambassadors of the country and role models to younger citizens. This imposes additional responsibility that demands the highest level of good behaviour and conduct from players at all times, but especially when on national assignments.”

It warned that once a player accepts an invitation to the national team, “Such a player shall be deemed to have accepted and agreed to abide by and adhered to the provisions and principles of the code of conduct in its entirely and the provisions of Section 24 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

(Culled from Thisday Sports)