By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria Division Two side, Vandrezzer FC has expressed “disappointment” after their verification badge was removed by Twitter on Thursday as Twitter insists on a $8 monthly payment to subscribe to its ‘Twitter Blue’ if account holders must retain their verification badge.

Twitter on Thursday said goodbye to its ‘legacy’ blue ticks following Elon Musk‘s controversial decision to switch up the platform’s verification system.

“Legacy” verified accounts had their blue tick removed by Twitter and the development has affected several individuals including journalists as Twitter insists on a $8 monthly payment to subscribe to its ‘Twitter Blue’ if account holders must retain their verification badge, or for those who want to get the blue tick newly.

Vandrezzer Football Club, who ply their trade in Nigeria National League, NNL, in a statement expressed disappointment over the removal.

The club while disclosing that they have “complied” with Twiter’s verification process, said they are on course to restore the blue tick on their platform

“Vandrezzer FC wishes to announce that our official verification badge on Twitter has been removed. The badge, which was previously displayed next to our account name, was removed by Twitter on Thursday as part of its ongoing verification review process.

“We have complied with Twitter’s new verification process, and we are on course towards restoring the blue thick on our account.

“The verification badge was originally granted to our Twitter account on August 11, 2021, to confirm the authenticity of our account and distinguish us from fake or parody accounts. Losing the verification badge does not affect the club’s ability to use Twitter, but it is a disappointment nonetheless,” the club said.

Chief Operating Officer of Vandrezzer FC, Mr. Kingsley Ogbonna, said: “We are disappointed to lose our verification badge on Twitter. We understand that Twitter has set new policies on its verification policies and procedures, and we hope to be able to regain our verification status in the future.

“We want to assure our loyal supporters and followers that we will continue to provide regular updates on Twitter and other social media handles.”

“However, our verification badge on Facebook and Instagram remains valid.”

Numerous checkmarks disappeared from Twitter accounts for the users who were reluctant to pay $8 a month for the traditional blue badge.

‘Legacy’ blue ticks were initially given to verified accounts belonging to people of public interest including celebrities, politicians and journalists.

But following Musk’s takeover, only those subscribed to Twitter Blue can keep a blue tick, while businesses must now pay for a gold tick.

This decision came as part of Musk’s efforts to get rid of the so-called “lords & peasants system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark.”