Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN), Imo Chapter has called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to look into the current internal crisis and wranglings in Heartland FC and save the club from impending extinction.
The Association in a press release jointly signed by its State Chairman, Everest Ezihe and Secretary, Tunde Liadi noted that the continuous silence of Governor Uzodinma on the leadership crisis in the club and the fact that the revered Naze Millionaires are yet to start preparing for the new season with the players and club officials still owed several months salaries and allowances do not augur well for the image laundering of the State.
SWAN, Imo appealed to Governor Uzodinma to ensure the crisis in the club is halted forthwith while the State Government should immediately put machinery in motion which will ensure the speedy payment of the emoluments owed the team and also fast- track the processes that will ensure that Heartland FC complies with the club and players licensing directives of the nation’s League Management Company (LMC), which the league body has already put its closure at September 18.
The SWAN also asked that the Governor should resolve the management crisis once and for all to ensure that the current lacuna in the administration of the club is filled.
While we reaffirmed our commitment to sports development and transformation, it’s our sincere wish and desire to remind the Governor that history and posterity will not be pleased with him if under his watch one of the darling football clubs of Nigerians goes into oblivion.
Heartland FC is the pride of the Eastern Heartland, therefore, it will be very regrettable if Governor Uzodinma whose administrative mantra is anchored on shared prosperity will out of negligence allow this most cherished game to be destroyed by selfish interests. The time to act is now. A stitch in time saves nine.
