The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has suspended Nigeria from all international football related activities amidst allegations of government interference in the running of football in the country.
The government of Nigeria dissolved the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for alleged mismanagement of funds and replaced them with a sole interim administrator which is against FIFA rules and regulations.
The World’s soccer governing body had given government a Tuesday ultimatum to reinstall the old executive but it never happened which has forced them to act. The ban implies that neither Nigerian national team nor club can feature in an internationally recognized competition.
FIFA however in a statement released on Wednesday evening stated that the suspension can be lifted once the “properly elected NFF executive committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs”.
“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.”
Nigeria’s government arrested NFF president Aminu Maigari on return from Brazil after the Super Eagles’ exit from the FIFA World Cup. Where this ends, remains to be seen but as usual, we shall keep you posted on the development.