Nigeria suspended from international football by FIFA

By Andrew Warshaw

October 4 – Nigerian football has been plunged into disgrace after the country was banned by FIFA from all international competition because of Government interference.

The decision was taken after several members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were hauled before the law courts.

“The Fifa Emergency Committee decided today…to suspend the NFF with immediate effect on account of government interference,” a FIFA statement said.

“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.”

Nigeria’s ban from international football leaves their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea in serious doubt.

The decision by the Nigeria Sports Commission to force the NFF’s secretary general Musa Amadu to stand down from his position did not go down well with FIFA.

Nor did a court action barring the newly-elected members of the NFF.

FIFA have become increasingly frustrated with events in the African country.

“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,” the statement said.

“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.”

Nigerian football has been dogged by controversy since the team’s elimination in the first round of the World Cup in June.

Several executives were sacked after their poor showing that saw them earn just one point in three matches.

The Nigerian Government at first imposed a two-year ban on the team but that was rescinded after FIFA’s intervention.

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