Nigeria introduce code of conduct to avoid bonus rows

Abuja: Nigeria have adopted a code of conduct which they hope will forestall bonus rows like the one that almost caused the country to miss out on this year`s Confederations Cup.

Sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi has forwarded a code of conduct, drafted by a committee at his ministry, for immediate implementation by the country`s football federation. The committee was set up to draw up rules after the Super Eagles refused a 50 percent cut in their bonus for two 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Kenya and Namibia in June. The African champions refused to board their flight out of Namibia to Brazil and the government had to intervene to pay the balance of the bonuses before they agreed to travel to South America. Nigeria arrived less than 24 hours before their opening Confederations Cup game against Tahiti. The five-part document spells out the obligations of the Nigerian Football Federation, coaches and players called up to the national team. Non-compliance could lead to fines, suspensions or even expulsions. Pay rows have often surrounded Nigerian teams with coaches not paid regularly and in time, while players have resisted any attempts to review their win bonus downwards. There have been several attempts to introduce a code but they have often been met by a stiff resistance from players.