The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has suspended Nigeria from all football competition indefinitely over its government interference in the affairs of the football federation in the country.
FIFA’s statutes oppose government interference in football matters and those who go against this rule are handed the highest sanctions which indefinite suspension.
After Nigeria’s exit from the ongoing Brazil 2014 World Cup, the government dissolved the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over financial misappropriation during the team’s stay in the World Cup.
The Federation’s President, Aminu Maigari was also arrested by police and he has been placed under formal investigation.
The Nigerian government then secured a court order, restraining the Executive Committee of the football federation from running the affairs of football in the country. But FIFA says it has already warned the country to re instate the dissolved Executive Committee or risk being suspended.
“The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided today, July 9, 2014, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference,” a statement on FIFA’S website said.
“The decision follows a letter sent by FIFA to the NFF on July 4, 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement explained further.
This ban prevents all levels of the national teams and clubs in the country to participate in any organized football continentally or internationally.
“As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes). During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches. The most immediate effect is that Nigeria will not be entitled to participate in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (5-24 August 2014) should the suspension not be lifted by 15 July 2014,” FIFA said.
But FIFA also assured the country that once it is able to solve the crisis and re instates the federation, the ban would be lift for the country to enjoy football once again.
“The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs,” It added.
But the Nigerian government says the NFF has sent documents to FIFA to show that the general assembly was held according to FIFA statutes and that the government has not interfered in the affairs of the football federation.
Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Sports
Writer’s Email Address: Adamsisska@googlemail.com
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