FIFA Backs Down On Plan To Suspend Nigeria As Pinnick-Led NFF Resumes Duties
Nigeria have escaped indefinite ban from international football by FIFA after the duly elected executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation led Amaju Pinnick were allowed back into office on Monday.
FIFA had threatened to bar the West African country from all her activities after the Pinnick-led executive board were prevented from running the affairs of the NFF.
The leadership crisis started in 2014 when two separate NFF elections were staged with Pinnick and Chris Giwa emerging presidents from the respective two exercises.
Relying on court orders and alleged support from Nigeria’s sports minister, Solomon Dalung, Giwa and his cohorts took over the NFF offices despite strong warnings from FIFA.
FIFA threatened to suspend Nigeria from all international competitions if Pinnick and general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi were not given back the effective control of he NFF and its offices by 12 noon, Monday, August 20.
But in a swift move, the federal government sent a letter to FIFA early on Monday intimating the world football govering body of their support for Pinnick-led board.
“Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of 13 August 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA received confirmations that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices,” reads a statement released by FIFA on Monday afternoon.
“In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect.
“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to.”
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment