Breaking: FIFA suspends Nigeria
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 Nigeria 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.
FIFA said the extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes.
FIFA said the suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their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.
Owing to 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 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.
