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By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
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Dolphins (in blue) are the reigning league champions
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Nigeria's Premier League clubs have resolved to boycott the 2005 season if the country's FA does not disburse outstanding revenue due to them.
Jude Ezechukwu, chairman of the Association of Nigerian Premier League Clubs, told BBC Sport that the failure of the Nigeria FA (NFA) to pay their share of sponsorship revenue for 2004 has stretched the lean finances of the clubs.
"The Pro-League Board promised to pay the money but nothing has happened," Ezechukwu complained.
"As a result, we've resolved that the money must be paid or league football will be grounded next season."
Ezechukwu said a boycott of the league was the only way the clubs can force the NFA to pay their share of sponsorship revenue from the telecommunications firm Globacom.
"Clubs are surviving on shoestring budgets and the money would have helped to relieve their burdens."
Salisu Abubakar, head of the NFA's Pro-League Board, recently admitted that the money was used to prosecute Nigeria's campaign at the last African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
"The money was used for the Cup of Nations in January and the clubs will get the money when we receive it.
"We are striving to fulfil our promise and I can assure them that we will certainly pay the money," Abubakar told BBC Sport.
But Ezechukwu was unimpressed by Abubakar's confession and subsequent promise.
"It's an irresponsible comment from a professional body like the NFA.
"Can you imagine the English FA giving this kind of excuse to clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United?," Ezechukwu asked.
Dolphins of Port Harcourt are the reigning league champions and will represent Nigeria in the 2005 African Champions League.
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