The world soccer governing body, Fifa, on Monday finally decided to slam Nigeria with a suspension with immediate effect.
Fifa’s emergency committee after weighing all the evidences before it coupled with petitions from several individuals and bodies in the past days wielded the big stick by slamming the ban on the West African nation.
On its official website, the world soccer apex body explained that its emergency committee is taking the decision based on the “account of government interference.”
The media statement posted on Fifa’s website on Monday read: “The Fifa Emergency Committee decided today, 4 October 2010, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect on account of government interference.
“This decision follows the latest events linked to the NFF, such as the court actions against elected members of the NFF executive committee preventing them from exercising their functions and duties, the stepping down of the acting NFF general secretary on the instructions of the national sports commission, the decision of the minister of sports to have the Nigerian League start without relegation from the previous season, and the fact that the NFF executive committee cannot work properly due to this interference.”
However, the Fifa suspension has a mild angle to it saying that the ban will be in place for as long as all the litigation cases continue.
This development means that the Super Eagles will not be heading to Conakry to face Guinea in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Also, the Super Falcons preparing for the African Women’s Championship (AWC) are at risk of missing out except peace is brokered in time to lift the suspension.
The suspension also affects members of the country’s football federation, as they cannot take part in any international events organised by Fifa or Caf.
“The suspension will be maintained until the court actions have ceased and the duly elected NFF Executive Committee is able to work without any interference.
“During the period of suspension, the NFF wil l not be able to be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, and also not in friendly matches.
“In addition, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials can benefit from any development programme, course, or training from Fifa or CAF while the federation remains suspended,” concluded Fifa’s statement.
Nigeria is not purpose to be afflicted to fifa at all. not until they understand how to run soccer. tell me what kind of country is this? that every thing is just going zig zag God should help those in that country.
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