Furore as Heartland FC ignores NFF directive on unpaid coach Uzor's compensation

Posted : 05 April 2026

Tension is mounting around Heartland FC following the club’s failure to comply with a directive issued by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee, mandating payment of ₦6.4 million to former head coach Charles Uzor.

The ruling, which found Heartland guilty of unlawfully terminating Uzor’s contract, required the club to settle the compensation within 45 days of notification. However, the coach has disclosed that the club has neither made any payment nor initiated communication regarding the enforcement of the decision.

According to findings by the NFF Committee, Uzor entered into a valid contract with Heartland FC on August 1, 2024, to manage the team through the 2024–2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, earning a monthly salary of ₦700,000.

Despite this agreement, the club terminated his appointment on June 11, 2025.

Heartland FC had alleged a breach of contract by the coach, but the Committee ruled that the club acted unilaterally and failed to follow due disciplinary procedures.

Specifically, the club did not issue formal queries or adhere to standard suspension protocols before ending the contract.

Following the dispute, Uzor initially sought ₦8.4 million as compensation for the remainder of his contract. However, the NFF Committee awarded him ₦6.4 million, deeming it a fair settlement for wrongful termination.

The Committee also issued a firm directive that the payment must be completed within 45 days.

The NFF further warned that failure to comply with the ruling would attract sanctions against Heartland FC. These include a potential ban on registering new players until the outstanding amount is fully settled.

With the deadline now effectively lapsed and no response from the club, concerns continue to grow over Heartland’s willingness to respect regulatory decisions and uphold contractual obligations.

Heartland FC’s silence has sparked debate within Nigerian football circles, raising broader questions about contract enforcement, governance, and accountability in the domestic league.

As the situation develops, attention now shifts to the NFF and whether it will enforce its ruling through disciplinary measures.

The resolution of this case is seen as a critical test for the Nigeria Football Federation's ability to protect the rights of technical staff within the league. Should Heartland FC continue to ignore the mandate, the impending transfer ban could severely hamper their competitive edge in the NPFL. Stakeholders now await a decisive move from the governing body to ensure that contractual integrity is maintained across all professional levels.

Furore as Heartland FC ignores NFF directive on unpaid coach Uzor's compensation

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