FIFA to ‘closely monitor’ NFF as Nigeria escapes ban

World football governing body, FIFA, has halted its plan of suspending Nigeria from international football, but says it will continue to ‘closely monitor’ the situation in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Bureau of the FIFA Council had given the Nigerian Federation till Monday, August 20 to resolve its leadership issues or face a ban.

But in bid to avert the threat, the federal government wrote to FIFA early Monday proclaiming their support for the Amaju Pinnick-led board, which FIFA says it recognizes.

“Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of 13 August 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),” a statement released by FIFA on Monday afternoon read.

Read Also: Pinnick is NFF president, FG tells FIFA

“FIFA received confirmations that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices.

“In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect.

“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to.”

The Crisis at the Glass House, which have lasted for four years, has recently gotten out of hands, as Chris Giwa and his collaborators have twice invaded the Secretariat in their quest to take over the leadership of the Federation.

As it stands, Nigeria has escaped FIFA wrath, but the case between Giwa and Pinnick is still in the Nigerian courts.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now