Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan has responded to an appeal by the family of its late player, Izu Joseph, over outstanding salaries and allowances allegedly owed the deceased footballer.
The club, in a statement signed by its Media Officer, Jubril Arowolo, said it acknowledged that some payments remained outstanding but maintained that efforts had been made to pay the late player’s family.
According to the club, payments had been made into the bank account of Izu’s father, Pa Joseph Izu Snr, in accordance with an arrangement reached with the family following the player’s death.
“Hardly would a month pass without paying into the account of Pa Joseph Izu Snr, the father of the deceased player, as requested by the family in the last six months,” the club stated.
Management said the arrangement had subsequently generated disagreement within the family after Reuben Izu, who wrote to the Oyo State Government on behalf of the family, allegedly requested that future payments be made into his own account.
3SC said it had initially chosen not to respond publicly to the issue out of respect for the memory of the late player, but decided to clarify its position following the letter to the state government.
The club also recalled its role in the burial arrangements for Izu, noting that he died while on holiday in his hometown and describing him as a dedicated member of the team during his playing career.
While acknowledging the outstanding financial obligations, 3SC said it remained committed to settling the balance owed to the deceased player’s estate.
The club added that its position was also acknowledged by Austin Popo, an official of the National Association of Professional Footballers, who, according to the statement, visited the club’s office the previous Friday.
Izu Joseph died while still a player of 3SC, with the club maintaining that it would continue efforts to resolve the outstanding financial obligations associated with his contract.
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