A few weeks after the departure of two players from Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club Rivers United, another footballer Liberia's Albert Korvah has followed suit, opting to present the case to the world football governing body FIFA.
In a letter received by Afrik-foot, the Liberian international stated that he had officially terminated his existing contract with the NPFL side with immediate effect.
A few weeks ago, Ghanaian player Paul Acquah, 28, terminated his contract with the club after finding playing time limited. He went on to sign a six-month deal with Libyan side Anwar FC. In a related development, Ossy Martin left the team after four months of joining, with the Nigerian's sights set on reviving his career elsewhere.
Player's statement to NPFL club
Part of the letter which was dated January 10 and signed by the player reads:
“This letter is to regretfully inform you of the termination of our contract from this day henceforth because the club has failed to meet their contractual obligation which was promised.
“The termination by mutual consent is the only available option because the club cannot revert to paying my salary in dollars and cannot make payment of my perceived difference.”
Referring to a clause in FIFA's transfer policy, he added, “with sporting just cause in the FIFA Transfer Regulation, I have every right to terminate the contract once the club breaches the obligation within the contract.”
He went on appreciate the club for the opportunity to work with the team.
What Next?
The attacking midfielder, who joined last season on a three-year deal from Watanga FC for 50,000 USD, disclosed that he would be left with no choice but to contact the world governing body (FIFA) through his attorney anytime soon.
Rivers United will be hoping to avoid another transfer ban, same like they suffered back in 2018 when FIFA ruled that they should be banned for three years following their failure to honour the contractual terms of Ghanaian goalkeeper Samuel Akurugu.
Club's response
When Afrik-foot reached out to Rivers United who insisted that Albert Korvah is Abesent Without Official Leave (AWOL) and that he had since been missing from the camp.
In a statement signed by club general manager Okey Kpalukwu on January 20, he said the Liberian forward was still a player of the club and has a running contract with the club. Furthermore, he questioned the authenticity of the letter making the rounds, stating that it was not an accepted format by the club as it was not duly signed by the player nor established substantiated infractions on contractual terms and that both parties did not also mutually agree. Kpalukwu added that the club will seek redress at the appropriate quarters.
