The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has introduced a mandatory national transfer and loan fee of ₦250,000 for players moving between clubs in the country, with the new policy scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2026.

The policy, contained in a circular signed by HFN President, Jibril Saidu Ojih (FNIQS), is designed to ensure proper documentation of player transfers, protect clubs that invest in player development and align Nigeria’s transfer system with the regulations of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB).

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

Under the new regulations, a club signing a player from another Nigerian club must pay ₦250,000 to cover administrative charges and player development compensation.

Of the total amount, ₦100,000 will go to the HFN as administrative charges, while the remaining ₦150,000 will be paid to the club releasing the player.

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

Ojih said the policy became necessary following the Federation’s observation that several local and international transfers involving Nigerian players were being conducted without proper procedures, licensed agents or compensation for clubs responsible for training and developing the players.

He noted that such practices contravene Article 9 of the IHF Regulations, in the edition dated June 4, 2025, which addresses compensation and the protection of minors.

The new rules provide further compensation for clubs that invest in player development over an extended period.

A club that trains a player for at least two consecutive seasons will be entitled to an additional ₦100,000 for each season of training if the player is transferred as a professional for the first time.

The HFN president also clarified the criteria for determining a player’s professional status. Under the policy, a player who receives match bonuses exceeding ₦50,000 per month or holds a written employment contract will be classified as a professional.

Clubs are required to submit the names of their professional players to the Federation by September 30 each year for inclusion in the IHF Transfer Management System (TMS).

Another major provision of the policy is the compulsory use of licensed agents for all domestic and international player transfers and loans.

The Federation warned that transfers conducted without licensed agents would be declared null and void.

Under the prescribed procedure, a club seeking to sign a player must first send an official letter of interest to the player’s current club, with a copy forwarded to the HFN.

The releasing club is then expected to issue a clearance letter, after which both clubs and the player must sign a tripartite agreement.

Once the prescribed fee has been paid and proof of payment submitted, the HFN will issue a National Transfer Certificate and update the player’s records on the IHF Transfer Management System.

No player will be permitted to register or feature for a new club without the required certificate.

For international transfers, the Federation reiterated that no player may move to another club or federation without an International Transfer Certificate issued through the IHF Transfer Management System.

All international transfer requests must be channelled through the HFN, as direct dealings between clubs without the Federation’s involvement are prohibited.

The circular also states that international transfers involving players below the age of 16 are prohibited. Players aged 16 to 18 will require IHF approval, alongside evidence that their academic and sporting welfare will be protected.

All loan arrangements must be backed by a three-party agreement specifying the duration of the deal.

In line with international regulations, clubs that train professional players may also be entitled to education compensation of up to CHF 3,500 per season.

The Federation has warned that clubs and other stakeholders who violate the new regulations will face strict sanctions.

Penalties include forfeiture of matches in which an ineligible player is fielded, with the offending team losing three points and 10 goals. Offending clubs will also face a non-negotiable fine of ₦500,000 and a ban from transfer activities for two transfer windows.

International violations will be referred to the IHF and CAHB for further sanctions, which may include compensation of CHF 3,500.

The HFN further stated that any agent not recognised by the CAHB or IHF who is found to be involved in a player transfer will face a ban and a non-negotiable fine of ₦300,000.

The Federation said the policy forms part of its efforts to strengthen handball administration in Nigeria, protect clubs that invest in player development and ensure that transfers are conducted transparently and in accordance with international standards.

All clubs, state associations, academies and other handball stakeholders have been directed to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and ensure full compliance ahead of the November 1, 2026 commencement date.