Dolphins FC Players Embark on Indefinite Strike due to Lack of Payment of 2012/13 Sign-On Fees
Players of Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt have embarked on an indefinite strike over their unpaid 2012/13 sign-on fees.
The players had visited the government house in September during a peaceful protest to request payment of the accumulated fees and were promised remuneration by the end of the month. They, however, did not receive the payment, prompting their decision to go on strike.
In a statement released by the club’s media officer, China Acheru, the club’s general manager, Joe Johnson, pleaded with the players to return to training, saying: “They have a genuine case, but we have done so well this season. So, I ask them to return because I do not think the sponsor, who gave them a date has forgotten his promise.
“My worry is that we are at a critical stage of the league and we have a tough game against Enyimba in the Federation Cup final.”
He also appealed to the sponsors of the club, saying: “I have appealed to the sports commissioner, Fred Igwe, who has reassured me that very soon something will come. He says he is in touch with the authorities, which I believe to be government house; so, we are hopeful.”
The players have not received their sign-on fees for the 2012/13 season and their newly enhanced salaries for the 2013/14 season.
Dolphins FC will be playing Enyimba in the final of the 2014 Federations Cup and currently sits on the second spot of the 29 week old 2013/14 league season with 45 points in 29 matches.
