NFF CRISIS: FIFA SUSPENDS NIGERIA

The Emergency Committee of world football governing body FIFA on Wednesday announced the suspension of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) with immediate effect.

In a statement by FIFA’s Media Office, the football body said the suspension was on account of government interference.

``Article 13, paragraph 1 and article 17 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member-associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.

``The decision follows a letter sent by FIFA to the NFA on July 4, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFA was served with court proceedings and consequently an order.

``The order preventing the Chairman of the NFA, the NFA Executive Committee members and the NFA Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a Nigerian High Court.

``The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFA until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date for such a hearing.

``The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) on July 5 and this EGA was convened in violation of the NFA Statutes.

`` Whereas, originally, an elective congress had been planned by the NFA to take place on Aug. 26, 2014.’’

The statement added however that Nigeria’s suspension would be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn.

``And after the properly elected NFA Executive Committee, the NFA general assembly and the NFA administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.

``As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact, according to article 14 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Statutes.

``During the period of suspension, the NFA 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 the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup should the suspension not be lifted by July 15.’’

``In addition, neither the NFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, courses or training during the suspension period,’’ the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to hold from Aug. 5 to Aug. 24 in Canada. (NAN)