FIFA suspends Nigeria Football Federation

FIFA, The world football governing body suspended the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, with immediate effect from all activities in football. The announcement was made in a statement released on FIFA website today, 9th July.

The suspension was on account of government interference in football activities, particularly as a result of a court order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A High Court sitting in Jos had on July 4th sacked Aminu Maigari and other executives from the board of the NFF.

As a result of 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 15 July 2014.

The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their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.