Sports
FIFA, CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, Plan Abuja Assessment Mission
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football have requested the suspension of the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation electoral process as the two i...
By Wavers Multimedia
The decision follows a series of developments at the NFF, including the resignation of President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
In a letter dated September 7 and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA said it and CAF were reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current situation within the federation.
FIFA said the review would involve examining the relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions communicated by different stakeholders.
The organisation stressed that no conclusion has been reached on the issues under review and that no decision has yet been made on what further steps may be taken.
NFF Election Process Put on Hold
As part of the intervention, FIFA and CAF requested that the ongoing NFF electoral process remain suspended.
They instructed that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the electoral process until the assessment is completed.
FIFA explained that the request was intended to preserve the status quo while the two football bodies engage with stakeholders and examine the circumstances surrounding the crisis.
The suspension should not be interpreted as a ruling on the validity of any decisions, actions, processes or positions advanced by any of the stakeholders involved.
The development means the planned NFF electoral process will remain on hold while FIFA and CAF determine the appropriate way forward.
FIFA Clarifies Ikpeme’s Role
FIFA also clarified the status of Emmanuel Ikpeme, recognising him as the Deputy General Secretary of the NFF, rather than describing him as the federation’s acting General Secretary.
Ikpeme has been designated as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF for the time being.
He is also expected to communicate the suspension of the electoral process to the relevant NFF bodies and assist with coordination as the international football authorities continue their assessment.
Joint FIFA-CAF Mission to Abuja
FIFA and CAF are planning a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.
The delegation is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, NFF member associations, the federation’s electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission.
The purpose of the mission will be to gather information directly from the relevant stakeholders and gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the current situation.
Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF will determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making bodies.
No Final Decision on Nigeria’s Football Reforms
The latest development comes amid reports of discussions between FIFA and Nigerian officials over proposed reforms to the administration of football in the country.
However, FIFA has made clear that no final agreement has been reached on the proposed reforms.
The international body said the current assessment is still ongoing and that the eventual outcome remains open.
Nigeria’s football administration has faced growing pressure following the resignation of several senior NFF officials and disappointing performances by some of the country’s national teams.
The NFF had previously suspended preparations for its elective congress as the Federal Government pushed for comprehensive reforms in the administration of Nigerian football.
For now, the immediate position is that the NFF electoral process remains suspended while FIFA and CAF assess the situation and prepare their joint mission to Abuja.