The FIFA Emergency Committee has just
announced the suspension of the Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF), citing
government interference.
The suspension is with immediate effect.
Nigeria have been suspended from Fifa “on account of government interference”.
A statement released by the governing body on Wednesday said the Emergency Committee took the decision with
“immediate effect” after a court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to take over the running of the Nigeria Football Federation.
“Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the Fifa Statutes oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties,” read the statement.
“The decision follows a letter sent by Fifa to the NFF on 4 July 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an 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.”
The ruling means no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can take part in international competition. 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 next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup should the suspension not be lifted by 15 July.
