The FIFA Emergency Committee decided yesterday, July 9 2014, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference.
The decision was taken yesterday after a meeting between Nigeria officials and FIFA failed to resolve the issues.
Accordingly, the FIFA Emergency Committee, acting on Article 13 (par. 1) and article 17 (par. 1) of the FIFA statutes, which oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties, suspended the African champions.
Last week, FIFA sent a letter to the NFF warning it about the concerns arising from the dissolution of the NFF by a High Court in 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 July 5, 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes.
The statement announcing the ban said Nigeria would be reinstated “once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their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.”
As a result of this decision, no team of any sort from Nigeria (including clubs) can participate in any international competition such as any regional, continental or international competitions, including those at club level, and friendly matches.
Also, 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.
