The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported letter from world football governing body FIFA warning against government interference in the federation’s affairs.
The document, dated 1 September and allegedly signed by FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström, claimed that FIFA had expressed concerns over the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and threatened possible sanctions, including Nigeria’s suspension from FIFA and CAF competitions.
The NFF, however, said the document was fabricated.
“The NFF has debunked news of a ‘letter’ circulating in sections of the media as being from world-football governing body, FIFA. It is totally fake,” the federation said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the NFF, FIFA has already accepted the resignations of Gusau, former General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
“FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the federation said.
The NFF added that talks involving the National Sports Commission (NSC), the interim NFF administration, CAF and FIFA are ongoing over the proposed restructuring of Nigerian football.
“Mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration, CAF is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, including agreeing a road map going forward in accordance to the relevant rules books and statutes,” the NFF said.
Nigerian delegation meets FIFA
The NFF’s clarification came as a Nigerian delegation led by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko held discussions with FIFA officials in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday over the situation in Nigerian football.
The delegation included NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick and NFF Interim General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme.
The meeting forms part of ongoing discussions with FIFA and CAF on the comprehensive reform process announced by the Nigerian government following the leadership crisis at the NFF.
The delegation’s visit to FIFA headquarters comes amid the restructuring of the federation following the mass resignations of its senior officials.
The meeting also provides context for the NFF’s rejection of the purported FIFA letter. Rather than threatening Nigeria with suspension, the federation said FIFA is working with Nigerian authorities on a roadmap for reforms.
What the purported FIFA letter claimed
The document circulating online alleged that FIFA was concerned about reports that Gusau resigned following a directive from the Presidency.
It cited Articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA Statutes and purportedly requested clarification from Nigeria within seven days on whether Gusau’s resignation was voluntary.
The document further claimed that failure to provide satisfactory clarification could result in the FIFA Council considering the suspension of the NFF from FIFA and CAF competitions, as well as the appointment of a Normalisation Committee.
The NFF’s statement rejected those claims.
Gusau resigned on 27 August after three years and 11 months in office, just 34 days before the scheduled end of his four-year tenure.
Reforms trigger leadership changes
Following the resignations, the NFF suspended preparations for its 27 September elective congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Emmanuel Ikpeme, who previously served as Deputy General Secretary, was appointed interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire became interim Deputy General Secretary.
The federation also dissolved the existing leadership structures of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One, directing that their administration be transferred to Chief Operating Officers who are NFF staff.
Ayo Abdulrahaman was subsequently appointed NPFL Chief Operating Officer as part of the interim restructuring.
The changes followed President Bola Tinubu’s 27 August directive for a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” Mr Tinubu said.
The President also directed the NSC to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders, while engaging appropriately with FIFA and CAF.
“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Mr Tinubu said.
The latest meeting in Zurich is expected to contribute to the development of a roadmap for the reforms and the eventual return of substantive elected leadership to the NFF.