FIFA and the Confederation of African Football have halted further action on the Nigeria Football Federation election as they examine the issues surrounding the federation. The move follows the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee, which led to the suspension of preparations for the 27 September elective congress.
The decision also casts doubt on reports that FIFA and the National Sports Commission had agreed on proposed reforms for Nigerian football. In an email dated 7 September to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said the two governing bodies were still examining the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the developments.
“FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF.”
Mammadov said the review would consider the facts, the NFF regulatory framework and the views submitted by those involved. He then made FIFA’s position clear: “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 clarification means that no agreement on the proposed reforms has been reached by FIFA. The NSC had earlier backed Ikpeme to oversee the NFF secretariat after the leadership resignations and said the federation would proceed towards a new election after reforms.
FIFA has also recognised Ikpeme as deputy general secretary rather than acting general secretary. Mammadov asked him to remain the main contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF instead of the NSC until further notice.
The governing body separately instructed the NFF to maintain the existing arrangements by taking no further electoral action while the review continues.
“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.”
FIFA and CAF will now send a joint mission to Abuja. The delegation will meet NFF administrators, federation members, electoral officials and Federal Government representatives, including officials from the National Sports Commission.
The mission will gather information from the different groups and examine the issues against the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF rules.
“The purpose of this mission will be to engage with the relevant stakeholders and gather the information necessary to enable FIFA and CAF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation.”
FIFA has asked Ikpeme to coordinate arrangements for the meetings. The delegation will examine the recent developments within the federation and the issues surrounding its electoral arrangements.
The governing body has also made clear that its intervention does not amount to a ruling on the actions taken or arguments presented by any party.
“It should not be interpreted as a determination regarding the validity of any decisions, actions, processes, positions or interpretations advanced by any stakeholder in relation to the current FIFA Statutes.”
The NFF election remains suspended pending the completion of the Abuja mission and the regulatory review. FIFA and CAF will determine their response after examining the information gathered from the parties involved.
