FIFA Bans NIGERIA over NFF Move

The FIFA Emergency Committee on Wednesday announced the suspension of the Nigeria Football Federation and by extension Nigeria with immediate effect from all its activities. This is on account of government’s interference in the running of the NFF. Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.
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, Aminu Maigari; the NFF Executive Committee members; and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football. The order was granted by a High Court in Jos, Plateau State.Read FIFA Statement below:
“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. 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 said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date for such a hearing. The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on 5 July 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes. Originally, an elective congress had been planned by the NFF to take place on August 26, 2014. The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their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.” read the statement on FIFA’s official website.
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 July 15, 2014. In addition, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, courses or training during the suspension period.