TheCable

The League Management Company (LMC) has launched an innovation to attract Nigerian players with international exposure to play in the Glo Premier League.

According to Chief Operating Officer of LMC, Salihu Abubakar, the innovation is tagged Elite Players Project.

The statement said that LMC will allow the 20 clubs participating in the league to register a maximum of two ex-international players in addition to the maximum 35 allowed in a season.

“The LMC hereby brings to the notice of all participating clubs of the NPFL the commencement of its Elite Players Project. This project is pursuant to Rules 9.65, 9.67, 13.60.1, 13.60 (viii) and 15.21 of the NPFL Framework and Rules 2013/14 season,” Abubakar said.

According to the statement, some of the benefits of the scheme to clubs, players, fans and sponsors include deepening players experience and bolstering the morale and confidence of young players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

As part of the eligibility criteria, players must have played in a world-class league of indisputable pedigree for a minimum of five seasons.

“The ex-international player must have played for Nigeria at the Olympic Games, Nations Cup, World Cup or alternatively have earned at least 20 international caps,’’ he said.

Clubs could register such elite players at any point in the season so far they have not exceeded the maximum quota of two in the season. The LMC will offer financial support as well.

“To encourage the players to settle down, the LMC will pay additional stipend that will make life more comfortable for the elite players and help them adjust faster,’’ he said.