Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Hon. Nduka Irabor has declared that the implementation of the Club Licensing Regulations will determine the kick-off  of the 2013/14 season.

Irabor was special guest at the event which held at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja and chose the opportunity of his address to illuminate on the Club Licensing Regulations which he said will complete the restructuring process of the Premier League.

While commending the organizers of the event for the effort to institute an incentive for outstanding performance in the league, the LMC Chairman lamented that the football industry as represented by the players has been the least rewarding compared to other sectors of the sports and entertainment industry.

On the start date for the new season, Irabor explained that it has been put on hold pending the completion of the Club Licensing. “Club licensing is very fundamental to the restructuring process and we will have to finish with it before announcing a kick-off date for the new season. We are very hopeful that when it is released by the NFF, the clubs will work hard to meet the requirements within the stipulated time.

This is not likely to be any time before the end of the African Nations Championship for domestic Leagues (CHAN)” The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had notified member federations in a circular issued in September and setting a December 31 deadline for completion of the club licensing process required for clubs to be eligible to participate in all continental club competitions.

“I am privy to the extensive work done so far by the NFF and in a matter of days, the licensing regulation will be released and there are lots of benefits it offers to the league, clubs and football business. Only those clubs that meet the requirement will partic-ipate in the League when it eventually kicks-off”, Irabor stated.

He said the LMC would love to have all 20 clubs meet the requirement but insisted that “there is nothing that says it must be 20 clubs and we cannot start the league until this process of licensing is completed”. On the requirements for the licensing, Irabor clarified that Clubs are expected to amongst other criteria provide a bank guarantee as an indication that they have the financial means to meet their obligations for the season.