The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) escaped FIFA’s big gun on Monday, following the resolution of an internal conflict that rocked the country’s football governing body in the past months.
An ultimatum was given to the NFF to succumb to FIFA’s ruling or face a ban by 12 noon on Monday, and many stakeholders and citizens had already prepared their hearts for the imminent boot out.
However, in a shocking turn of events, the federal government came to a very timely rescue, reinstating the FIFA-recognised Amaju Pinnick-led administration into the Glass House over the Chris Giwa-led faction until the next election which is just a few months away.
In a statement conveying the final decision of the world football governing body, FIFA wrote, “Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of 13 August 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA received confirmations that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices.
“In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect.”
The sovereign football body also noted that in order to ensure Nigeria’s full compliance and adherence to FIFA’s ruling, the NFF will be kept under close watch by FIFA’s ruling council.
Feature image: bbc.com
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