FIFA, CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, Send Delegates To Nigeria

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have ordered the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process as they investigate the leadership crisis within the football body.

The two football governing organisations also announced plans to send a joint team to Abuja to assess the situation and meet key stakeholders.

The decision followed a series of developments within the NFF, including the resignation of its president, some members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary.

In a joint letter to the NFF, FIFA and CAF said they were still examining the legal, administrative, governance and electoral issues arising from the crisis.

The letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, said no final decision had been reached on the issues under review.

“At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,” the statement said.

FIFA and CAF referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1.

The meeting brought together representatives of FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and the Federal Government of Nigeria to discuss the crisis and its possible impact on the federation.

“Furthermore, and without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing assessment, FIFA and CAF request that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with that process until further notice,” the statement said.

The football bodies said their assessment was still ongoing, stressing that no decision had been made on what action would follow.

“This request is made in order to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment of the current situation and engage with the relevant stakeholders,” they said.

While the review continues, FIFA and CAF appointed the NFF Deputy General Secretary as the main contact person between the federation and the two international football organisations.

They also instructed the NFF to immediately stop all activities linked to its electoral process.

The bodies said the suspension was necessary to maintain the existing situation while they investigate the matter and consult with the relevant parties.

FIFA and CAF, however, clarified that the suspension should not be seen as a decision on whether the actions or decisions taken by any of the parties involved in the NFF crisis were valid.

They said a joint assessment mission would travel to Abuja as soon as possible to gather information and speak with those involved.

The team is expected to meet officials of the NFF administration, members of the federation, its electoral committees and representatives of the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission.

According to FIFA and CAF, the mission will examine what led to the recent developments, hear the positions of the various stakeholders and determine whether there are issues that need further review under FIFA, CAF and NFF rules.

After completing the assessment, FIFA and CAF will decide whether recommendations or proposals should be presented to their respective decision-making bodies.

“Until such time, the outcome of the assessment remains open, and no assumptions should be made as to any action that FIFA and CAF may or may not take,” the statement added.

The latest decision effectively puts the NFF election process on hold while FIFA and CAF investigate the leadership dispute and prepare to engage directly with stakeholders in Nigeria.

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