Guidelines for the implementation of fan engagement to grow
attendance at Glo Premier League matches have been released by the League
Management Company (LMC) even as clubs have began to receive their financial
rewards instituted to inspire healthy competition and expand the fan base.
Chairman of the LMC, Mr. Shehu Dikko, while congratulating
the nine clubs that have so far been rewarded through the initiative, also
thanked fans, supporters and Club officials for the massive boost to the
efforts of the LMC to drive followership of the league.
Enyimba and Kano Pillars were rewarded for reaching the
minimum spectators’ count of 5,000 upwards while Heartland FC and FC Taraba
became the first set of clubs to earn the away win bonus. Over 12,000 fans
watched the Match Day 1 game between Enyimba and Akwa United while over 10,000
were recorded at the Sani Abacha Stadium when Kano Pillars hosted Bayelsa
United.
Five others, Abia Warriors, Kwara United, Sunshine Stars,
Akwa United and Lobi Stars earned financial bonus for securing away draws in
their respective Match Day 1 fixtures.
“I can confirm that all the nine clubs that met the criteria
for the incentives have all been paid to smoothen their operations and deepen
their engagement with the host communities,” the LMC Chairman affirmed.
The guidelines assured the clubs that the LMC remains
committed to support efforts designed to engage fans and boost match attendance
in the Glo Premier League matches. It said that this informed the recent
announcement of fan-based incentives, including financial reward for clubs that
attain match day attendance figure of up to 5,000 spectators in their home
matches.
The guidelines also encouraged clubs to device programmes to
achieve the objective of increased attendance and listed such measures to
include but not restricted to free admission to games, reduction in gate fees
and engaging of entertainment artistes to perform before and during games.
The Clubs were however reminded that it is compulsory to
comply with the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations which requires
every club stadium to have verifiable system of counting spectators that gain
entry into the stadium for matches. This, it said, ensures that the entry flow
and capacity of the stadium can be assessed.
Clubs that offer free admission to their games were also
directed to ensure that the VIP gallery can only be accessed by fans who must
have paid for their tickets and that every beneficiary of the free entry is
issued a numbered ticket whilst also ensuring that all seats in the stands are
numbered. The guideline further provided that such non-fee paying spectators
must be positioned in the area facing the VIP gallery.
Dikko especially expressed appreciation to families that
have attended matches this season and commended them for being “part of the
design to build a stronger foundation for the sustenance of our football
culture”. He said the LMC will continue to explore all possibilities and
support the clubs to make match days pleasurable and hospitable for all age and
gender.
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