Joel Ajayi
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has introduced a mandatory ₦250,000 transfer and loan fee for players moving between Nigerian clubs, effective November 1, 2026.
The policy, contained in a circular signed on Thursday by HFN President Jibril Saidu Ojih, aims to improve transfer documentation, protect clubs investing in player development and align Nigeria’s system with International Handball Federation (IHF) and Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) regulations.
It applies to Premier League and National Division One clubs, state associations, military and paramilitary teams, and academies, covering male and female amateur and professional players.
Under the arrangement, ₦100,000 of the fee will go to the HFN for administration, while ₦150,000 will be paid to the releasing club. The same charges apply to loans, which are limited to one season but renewable.
Ojih said the policy followed concerns over transfers conducted without proper procedures, licensed agents or compensation for clubs responsible for developing players.
Clubs that train players for at least two consecutive seasons will qualify for an additional ₦100,000 per season when a player becomes a professional for the first time.
Players receiving monthly match bonuses exceeding ₦50,000 or holding written employment contracts will be classified as professionals. Clubs must submit their professional players’ details by September 30 annually for inclusion in the IHF Transfer Management System.
The federation also made licensed agents compulsory for local and international transfers, warning that transactions conducted without them would be invalid.
Transfers require official correspondence, clearance, a tripartite agreement, payment and a National Transfer Certificate. International moves require an International Transfer Certificate processed through the IHF system.
Transfers involving players under 16 are prohibited, while those aged 16 to 18 require IHF approval and safeguards for education and sporting welfare.
Non-compliant clubs face a ₦500,000 fine, a two-window transfer ban and possible match forfeiture, including a three-point deduction and 10-goal penalty. Unrecognised agents face a ₦300,000 fine and a ban.
The HFN urged all stakeholders to comply before implementation.
