Nwaeze Chidiebere, Chairman of Cynosure FC, expressed deep concern about the escalating registration fees for grassroots football teams participating in the FA Cup.
With over a decade in the football business and prior participation in the NNL, Chidiebere’s perspective sheds light on the financial challenges faced by smaller clubs.
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“I have been in the football business for over 10 years. My team played In NNL in the past two seasons before I sold the slot.
Though I will be playing NLO1 this year. Last year, the price went up to 150k but was reduced to 75k. Now this same thing again.
Please the grassroots clubs are crying.” Chidiebere shared in an exclusive interview with Sports 247.
Lamenting the surge in registration costs, Chidiebere revealed that the fee, which stood at 150,000 NGN last year, had been temporarily reduced to 75,000 NGN but has now returned to 150,000 NGN.
His dismay extended to the additional fees imposed by state FAs, citing examples such as Abuja with a total of 180,000 NGN and Port Harcourt with 200,000 NGN.
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Chidiebere questioned the allocation of fees, noting that 60% of the 150,000 NGN goes to the NFF, leaving the state to manage the rest.
The insistence of some state FAs on adding extra charges perplexed him, prompting a call for intervention from the NFF.
“Normally 60% from 150,000 NGN goes to NFF while the state takes the balance. But why is the state still adding more money to the 150,000NGN?” Chidiebere continues.
Highlighting the cultural significance of the FA Cup as a venerable tournament where grassroots clubs often outshine their larger counterparts, Chidiebere appealed to the NFF to reevaluate the registration fees.
He emphasized the financial strains on private clubs that diligently pay salaries and honor match commitments despite rising fuel costs.
Chidiebere’s plea resonates as a voice advocating for the sustainability and inclusivity of grassroots football,
underscoring the importance of reasonable registration fees for clubs operating outside the elite echelons of the football pyramid.
