PFAN expels Austin Popo over alleged anti-union activities

The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) has expelled Austin Popo for allegedly floating a parallel body, contrary to the merger and the MOU of 09-10-2020 that gave birth to PFAN, as well as the FIFPRO governance structure.

According to PFAN, Popo’s expulsion, which stems from ‘factual findings’ by its disciplinary committee, was conveyed via a letter dated Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and signed by PFAN first vice president and chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Clement Temile.

In a statement entitled, ‘Letter of Expulsion,’ PFAN said: “Sequel to your publication of a parallel Players Union, an invitation was sent to you via WhatsApp by the Fact Finding and Disciplinary Committee of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) and your failure, neglect, and/or refusal to appear before the Committee, as well as the privilege given to you to pick or choose an alternate date convenient for you to enable the committee to give you a fair hearing in the interest of justice, which you equally neglected.

“From our findings, you allowed yourself to be used by the NFF board to cause disunity and crisis within the footballers in Nigeria 16 years ago and formed APFON and later NANPF. Now you are at it again, contrary to the merger and the MOU of 09-10-2020 that gave birth to PFAN, of which you are a signatory, and also the secretary of the Board of Trustees of the same body, PFAN.

“The Fact Findings and Disciplinary Committee of PFAN hereby finds you culpable and notify you by this medium that you have been expelled from the Players Union.”

“Take further notice that you are advised to return all union properties and funds that might be in your possession. It is also noted that the players union is one per country, as practiced globally. According to the FIFPRO governance structure, the union is united in your expulsion and is prepared to take legal action against your person if you take further steps towards disuniting the union.”