SPORTS PAGE 24TH AUGUST. HEARTLAND PLAYERS STILL WAITING FOR THEIR MONEY.

As the people ofImoStateand fans of Heartland football club are still celebrating the qualification of the club for the finals of this years Federation cup inLagos, all is still not well with the players.

Reports reaching Imo Trumpeta show that the players are yet to receive the money promised them before they departed toIlorin for the semi – final game.

The number one citizen of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had last Saturday informed the players that he has approved 40% of their remaining sign on fees. But the Commissioner of Sports, Com Kenneth Emelu in a Radio phoning Sports programme (Hot 99.5 Fm) explained that the Governor has approved 40% of their sign on, but the money has not been released by the state accountant general.

Management of the team however managed to persuade the players to travel toIlorinwere they defeated Prime FC through penalties to qualify for the Fed Cup final game inLagosthis Sunday.

Meanwhile, reports from an un – confirmed source do indicate that contrary to reports that Bureaucratic both neck is holding the release of the money rather, some top shorts are asking for cuts from the funds before they can activate the release.

The team was billed to leaveIlorinforLagoson Thursday in readiness for the final of the Federation cup against Lobi Stars of Markurdi.