The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has defended its decision to introduce a ₦250,000 transfer and loan fee for players moving between clubs, saying the policy will improve transparency, protect investment in player development and ensure compliance with international regulations.

HFN President Jibril Saidu Ojih said the new rules, which take effect on November 1, would address irregularities in domestic and international transfers involving Nigerian players.

The policy covers clubs in the Nigeria Handball Premier League, National Division One, state associations, military and paramilitary formations, and academies. It applies to male and female amateur and professional players involved in domestic and international transfers and loans.

Under the new arrangement, a club signing a player from another Nigerian club must pay ₦250,000, comprising ₦100,000 in administrative charges to the HFN and ₦150,000 to the releasing club.

The same fee applies to domestic loans for each season. Loans will be limited to one season but may be renewed.

Ojih explained that the policy became necessary because some transfers had been conducted without proper documentation, licensed agents or compensation for clubs that invested in developing players.

He cited Article 9 of the International Handball Federation’s (IHF) regulations, dated June 4, 2025, which addresses compensation and the protection of minors.

The new rules also provide additional compensation for clubs that train players for at least two consecutive seasons. Where a player becomes a professional for the first time through a transfer, the training club will be entitled to an additional ₦100,000 for each qualifying season.

The HFN has also defined professional players as those receiving monthly match bonuses exceeding ₦50,000 or holding written employment contracts. Clubs are required to submit the names of their professional players to the federation by September 30 each year for registration on the IHF Transfer Management System (TMS).

HFN Press Officer and Media Commission Vice-Chairman Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi said the use of licensed agents would be compulsory for all domestic and international transfers and loans.

Any transfer conducted without a licensed agent, he said, would be declared null and void.

International transfers must also be processed through the HFN and the IHF system, with an International Transfer Certificate required before a player can move to another club or federation.

The regulations prohibit international transfers involving players under 16. Players aged 16 to 18 will require IHF approval, alongside evidence that their education and sporting welfare will be protected. All loan arrangements must be backed by a three-party agreement specifying their duration.

The federation warned that clubs and other stakeholders who violate the rules would face sanctions, including forfeiture of matches involving ineligible players, a deduction of three points and 10 goals, a ₦500,000 fine and a ban on transfer activities for two transfer windows.

The HFN said the measures were intended to establish a more orderly transfer system while protecting clubs, players and the integrity of Nigerian handball.