We won’t ban Nigeria, FIFA replies FG

Nigeria have officially escaped being banned from football activities by FIFA following resolution of the internal leadership crisis which engulfed the country’s football body, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The world football governing body made its decision known in a communique posted on its website following the expiration of the deadline given the country to put its house in order.

The federal government earlier had waded into the matter and reinstated the FIFA-recognised Amaju Pinnick-led administration into the Glass House, deposing the faction of Chris Giwa.

The decision was conveyed to Geneva.

“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,” the statement read.

“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 Gianni Infantino-led world football authority however stated that the situation would be continually monitored to ensure strict adherence to its rules and regulations.

“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to.”
Pinnick is in the last months of his four-year tenure.

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