National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Kwara United Head Coach, Abdullahi Usman Biffo has disclosed that the resignation of his appointment was due to the ongoing power tussle in the club.
Biffo, who led the club to a fourth-place finish in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season, described the situation as “malicious power tussles between the sport management hierarchy in the state”.
According to him, “such environment is not the best for any professional football coach or club to thrive”.
The Kwara State Sports Commission had in a memo dated 25th October, 2021, issued a query to Biffo, giving him 24hrs to explain why disciplinary actions should not be taken against him for not attending the budget defense.
The memo signed by A.J Adebisi for the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, reads, “I wish to draw your attention to the fact that on 23rd October, 2021 when the Kwara State Sports Commission is slated to defend their budget proposal for the year 2022.
The memo reads, “It was discovered that you weren’t in attendance and in the same vein you didn’t inform the Chairman that you will not be in attendance knowing fully well that you have to participate in the defense of your agency’s budget.
“This act of insubordination symbolised serious misconduct as contained in PSR 04401 which attracts severe disciplinary action. In view of the foregoing, I am directed to request you to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for your action and attitude
“Your response should reach this office within 24hours of your receipt of this query letter.”
However, Biffo, in his resignation letter dated October 29, 2021, which he personally signed, described the allegation and query as “malicious and lacking substance and credibility”, adding that it also breach the terms of his contract.
He said “As I am not directly employed by Kwara State Sports Commission. I only signed contract employment with Kwara United football club with details of my job descriptions in it. Beside at no time was an invitation to attend the said commission budget defense was extended to me by my direct employer,” he said in the letter.
Biffo, currently recuperating after eye surgery, said quitting the job will not only enable him to focus on his treatment and health in the United States, but also give the club management time to get a suitable replacement before the start of the new league season.
He thanked the Chairman, General Manager, Management, Staff and Fans of the club for their love and confidence.
He said, “One of the major highlights of my career was to work with such a loving and exceptional management under the leadership of Chief Kumbi Titiloye who always insists on professional best practice, and quality football for the club and the fans. I love you all.”
Biffo also spoke on the possibility of returning to the club if “there is a clearer definition of management hierarchy structure in the state and absolute definition of roles which will not interfere with daily football club.”
