The tough times for Nigerian football continued this week, as the
entire federation (NFF) faces a possible suspension after being sanctioned by
FIFA.
Having failed to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations a
few weeks ago, FIFA has now sent a warning to the federation after a
Nigerian court ruled that former NFF president Amaju Pinnick be replaced by
Chris Giwa.
Under FIFA rules and regulations, the national government is not
allowed to interfere with the federation’s decisions.
Below is a section from FIFA’s letter on the matter.
The
decision of the Federal High Court in Jos, if implemented, would likely be
considered as interference in the internal affairs of the NFF and the case
would be brought to the highest authorities of Fifa for consideration of
sanctions, including the suspension of the NFF.
All
members associations have to manage their affairs independently and with no
influence from third parties. In addition and according to article 68 of the
Fifa Statutes, recourse to ordinary courts of law is prohibited unless
specifically provided for in the Fifa regulations.
Furthermore,
it is the duty of each member association to ensure that these provisions are
implemented by its members and possibly take sanctions against those which fail
to respect these obligations.
This is
not the first time Nigeria is under hot-water for government interference in
football matters, as the Super Eagles were able to avoid a seven-month ban last
summer for a similar incident, also involving Chris Giwa.
Should
FIFA punish the NFF, Nigeria could be banned from playing in the
Olympics this summer. With the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw set for
June, the Super Eagles could also potentially miss out on their chance
to play in Russia.
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