Covid-19: NFF, Rohr work out modality for pay cut

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has agreed to a pay-cut, the Nigeria Football Federation has stated. Both sides are working on this in the face of the economic challenges as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is said to be a part of Rohr’s solidarity to the NFF in a time like this.

Rohr, who is on a reported $55,000 salary has informed his employers of his “willingness to a pay cut as both parties talk over a new contract.”

NFF Second Vice President, Shehu Dikko said  the 66-year-old former Bayern Munich defender is eagerly looking  forward  to the  extension of his contract and “it was just a matter of time that all issues  surrounding the contract will be sorted out.”

“Both parties are mutually on the same page,” Dikko told a Nigerian newspaper, The Nation. “I can tell you as the extension contract is being prepared, there is an ongoing conversation between the parties to smoothen any rough edges or red flags which I believe there is none so far.

“This is in addition to the conversation that took place prior to commencement of the extension contract preparation.”

Dikko said everything was on course, adding the coach is pained that the NFF would presumably lose income following the suspension of football activities as result of Covid-19.

He said: “In fact even within this ongoing conversation, Rohr agreed to offer a pay cut for the next few months in view of the Covid-19 impact to the economy as a form of solidarity to NFF and the sponsors.

“The only thing left is to agree the actual percentage of the pay cut and actually this conversation was even on before the England Manager Gareth Southgate did the same in England.

“So this clearly shows you the cordial relationship between the NFF and the Rohr contrary to what a section of the media portrays. So both parties are hopeful to cross this bridge soonest and just like it was done before so that  all focus on the job at hand.”