World Cup 2010 Blog: FIFA Suspends Nigerian Football Federation

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FIFA Suspends Nigerian Football Federation Posted: 04 Oct 2010 09:08 AM PDT As usual, in such bureaucratic pissing contests, fans are the real losers… In a drastic move, FIFA has suspended the Nigerian Football Federation as a result of the government’s ongoing interference in the Federation’s affairs.  If you remember earlier this year, after the World Cup, the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, suspended the football team for 2 years.  That suspension was lifted, but FIFA are not satisfied that the Federation and Nigerian government are compliant with FIFA’s regulations which demand that the Federation be transparent and independent of the government. The complete FIFA statement… The FIFA Emergency Committee decided today, 4 October 2010, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect on account of government interference. This decision follows the latest events linked to the NFF, such as the court actions against elected members of the NFF Executive Committee preventing them from exercising their functions and duties, the stepping down of the acting NFF General Secretary on the instructions of the National Sports Commission, the decision of the Minister of Sports to have the Nigerian League start without relegation from the previous season, and the fact that the NFF Executive Committee cannot work properly due to this interference. The suspension will be maintained until the court actions have ceased and the duly elected NFF Executive Committee is able to work without any interference. During the period of suspension, the NFF will not be able to be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, and also not in friendly matches. In addition, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials can benefit from any development programme, course, or training from FIFA or CAF while the federation remains suspended. Some Reactions… Is Nigeria’s decision a smart or fatale move?  [Please note:  This was written in reference to first suspension, but it is still is relevant and provides a range of opinions on FIFA's rules against government interference] “We know that it will soon be election time into the FIFA executive committee. It is possible that some of those who intend to secure the vote of Nigeria may be courting support from those in the NFF whose election was annulled by the court. It is quite interesting that some FIFA members who frown at mixing football with politics are themselves not averse to playing a little politics!” – Daily Trust (complete article here)

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