Many Nigerians may have felt dejected following elimination from the FIFA World Cup but shortly after, things got even more dramatic. With the rather sudden dissolution of the board of the Nigerian Football Federation, FIFA had intimated that Nigeria faced a ban if they board was not reinstated on or before July 8.
Following the expiration of that deadline, the FIFA Emergency Committee has decided to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation stating that the ban was based on account of government interference in Nigerian football
With FIFA laws, specifically Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, stipulating that member associations be allowed to manage their affairs independently without undue influence from government, Nigerian football faces the prospect of a rocky road to redemption as court proceedings against the board of the NFF are still on.
The FIFA announcement states that: As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes). During the period of suspension, the NFF 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 (5-24 August 2014) should the suspension not be lifted by 15 July 2014. In addition, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, courses or training during the suspension period.
FIFA also added that the ‘suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.‘
Reactions from the corporate partners of the NFF are also expected with Adidas rumored to be considering cancellation of their kit sponsorship deal with the Super Eagles. So far, there have no reactions from other corporate partner of the NFF including Guinness and telecommunications giants Globacom but a prolonged ban will surely see these entities re-evaluate their lucrative affiliations.
