World football governing body FIFA have informed Nigeria they risk a suspension after a court ruling which nullified the elections of the executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by president Amaju Pinnick.
In a letter dated April 11, 2017, FIFA acting Secretary General Markus Kattner said the ruling by a Jos federal high court is an interference in the internal affairs of the NFF and should it be implemented, FIFA will consider suspending Nigeria.
“The decision of the Federal High Court in Jos, if implemented, would likely be considered as an 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,” the letter read in part.
“We would Iike to remind you that according t0 articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes, all members associations have t0 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 Iaw 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.”
The Nigerian court said the election of the executive committee is null and void.
It further announced it will begin hearing into the case brought against the NFF on May 30.
Pinnick’s executive board has since said they will appeal against this decision.
The country’s sports ministry in a statement called on the various factions in this latest leadership tussle to abide with the rule of law.
“I have said severally that all this fight in the NFF is for personal interest and not football otherwise what is responsible for this shame. If football matters has been taken to court by Giwa, then he must allow it to run full course,” said Sports Minister Solomon Dalung.
