Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) president, Jibril Saidu Ojih has come out with an elaborate explanation of reasons behind the body’s decision to introduce transfer fees in the country, with a view that it will bring an orderly approach to how players move from one club to another.
Sports247 reports that Ojih’s explanation comes hot on the heels of a media statement about the HFN’s decision to introduce a new fee of ₦250,000 for transfers and loans involving a player from one Nigerian handball club to another within the country or internationally, with effect from the 1st of November.
Ojih stated in a circular he personally signed that the new policy is aimed at ensuring proper documentation of transfers, protecting clubs that invest in players’ development and bringing Nigeria in line with regulations of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and Confederation of African Handball (CAHB).
He added that the directive applies to clubs in Nigeria Handball Premier League, National Division One, state associations, the military, para-military and academies across the country, for domestic and international transfers as well as loans for male and female amateur and professional players.
The HFN president expatiated, “Under the new policy, a club signing a player from another Nigerian club must pay a transfer fee of ₦250,000 to cover administrative charges and compensation for player development. Of the amount, ₦100,000 will go to the HFN as administrative charges, while ₦150,000 will be paid to the club releasing the player.
“The same fee applies to loans between Nigerian clubs for each season, with loans limited to one season but renewable. The policy became necessary following an observation that several local and international transfers involving Nigerian players were being conducted without proper procedures.
“(They lacked) the involvement of licensed agents or compensation for clubs responsible for training and developing the players. Such practices are contrary to Article 9 of the IHF Regulations, Edition of June 4, 2025, which addresses compensation and the protection of minors.
“The new rules also provide additional compensation for clubs that have invested in players over a period of time. A club that trains a player for at least two consecutive seasons will be entitled to an additional ₦100,000 for each season of training if the player is transferred as a professional for the first time.”
Sports247 reports further that Ojih also clarified that a player receiving match bonuses exceeding ₦50,000 per month or holding a written employment contract will be regarded as a professional; hence a directive that all clubs should submit names of their professional players to the NHF by September 30 each year for inclusion in the IHF Transfer Management System (TMS).
HFN’s press officer and media commission vice-chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi added, “Another major provision of the policy is the compulsory use of licensed agents for all local and international player transfers and loans. Any transfer conducted without a licensed agent would be declared null and void.
“Under the prescribed procedure, a club seeking to sign a player must first send an official letter of interest to the player’s current club, with a copy to the HFN. The releasing club is then expected to issue a clearance letter, after which both clubs and the player will sign a tripartite agreement.
“Upon payment of the prescribed fee and submission of proof of payment, the HFN will issue a National Transfer Certificate and update the player’s records on the IHF Transfer Management System. No player will be allowed to register or play for a new club without the required certificate.
“For international transfers, no player may move to another club or federation without an International Transfer Certificate issued through the IHF Transfer Management System. All international transfer requests must be channelled through the HFN, as direct dealings between clubs without the Federation’s involvement are not permitted.
“International transfers involving players below the age of 16 are prohibited, while players aged 16 to 18 require IHF approval, alongside evidence that their academic and sporting welfare will be protected. All loans must also be supported by a three-party agreement specifying the duration of the arrangement.”
Sports247 also reports that the HFN warned that clubs and other stakeholders who fail to comply with the new policy will face strict sanctions, which include forfeiture of matches in which an ineligible player is fielded, with the offending team losing three points and 10 goals, as well as a non-negotiable fine of ₦500,000 and a ban from transfer activities for two windows.
