At last, FIFA Bans Nigeria Football Federation

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 decisionfollows 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.

The said court order compelled the Minister
of Sports, dr. Tammy Danagogo, to appoint
a senior member of the civil service,
Lawrence Latken, to manage the NFF until
the matter was heard in court, without
giving any date for such a hearing.
Katken then convened an extraordinary
general assembly on July 5, 2014.
FIFA said the 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.

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the court actions have been withdrawn and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.