The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has faulted former Super Eagles striker over claims of unpaid pensions
Former supper eagle of Nigeria player Victor Agali’s claim that the federation has failed to pay pensions to retired international stars from funds the body receives from the world football governing body, FIFA, for that purpose.
Agali, who played for Nigeria from 1999 to 2005, scoring five goals in 11 games, at the weekend, told Home Turf podcast that, unknown to many people, FIFA pays ex-internationals a form of pension through their football federations.
He said that retired Internationals are entitled to a stipend from FIFA, through the NFF, but they’re yet to receive any.
“We talk about pension. Do you know there’s money coming from FIFA to Nigeria for the ex-players? Are you aware?
“I’ve not gotten anything from them. I can’t speak for others, but I know a reasonable number of people who haven’t gotten anything, but I know the money is coming in.”
He added: “Nigerian football doesn’t respect the ex-players, administratively.”
“The money comes in annually. I don’t know about Africa, but I know of some people in Europe who received money, but FIFA is FIFA.
When I was in Europe, some of the ex-players were receiving the money, and we’re still in touch to date.”
Reacting to Agali’s claims, the NFF’s Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi, described it as a strange narrative coming from an ex-international.
“It is funny because I have never heard of it in my life. Whatever FIFA does is known to everybody. It has never happened. These people should stop disgracing themselves by making such wild claims when people can verify such claims. Anybody can get the information from FIFA. This type of thing is not hidden,” he said.
However, The Guardian’s investigation shows that although FIFA does not pay direct pension to retired players, the world football body runs welfare and support programmes, including the FIFA Fund for Football Players (FFP), which helps players in financial hardship or those owed unpaid salaries by clubs.
FIFA also said that some countries have specialised pension schemes that they operate through national associations or players’ unions.
England, for instance, does not pay a specific, automatic pension to retired international football players simply for representing the country. But former players receive benefits generally from the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Pension Scheme, which is funded by player and club contributions during their club career.
Professional footballers in England are enrolled in the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme, which manages retirement funds accumulated throughout their playing careers.
Source: (TheGuardian )
