Federation Cup holders, Heartland Football club of Owerri, on Tuesday January 15 relieved three coaches and administrative personnel of their duties. The Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Kenneth Emelu said the downsizing is part of government’s measures to cut down drastically on high rising cost of running theNigeriaPremier League (NPL) side. Government has decided to reduce the staff strength in the club aimed at cutting down expenditure. Three coaches and six admin staffs were laid-off, Emelu stated “Heartland spends 8 million naira on monthly salaries same as its monthly subvention. It becomes difficult for the club to meet its financial needs,” he said.
Emelu also disclosed that the team spends about 8 million naira (51,000 dollars) every month and that it has not helped them to attend to other pressing needs in the cause of every season, hence the need for the downsize exercise.
He however did not disclose the names of the affected personnel but directed them to meet him for proper discussion and harmonization of their disengagement.
