FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have commenced efforts to find a lawful and lasting solution to the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The move followed the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other board members on August 27, amid growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football.
Officials of the two football governing bodies began an assessment of the crisis on Monday in Abuja, holding talks with National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and members of the NFF’s federating units.
The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, is expected to help FIFA and CAF understand the circumstances surrounding the crisis and identify a possible path towards restoring stability and effective governance in the federation.
The FIFA and CAF delegation comprised Ahmed Harraz, team lead of FIFA’s Member Association Governance Services; Rolf Tanner, FIFA Head of Member Association Governance; El Hadj Wack Diop, FIFA Regional Office for West Africa lead; and Nnaemeka Olu, CAF Legal Manager.
Dikko first met with the delegation and briefed the officials on the Federal Government’s proposed reform agenda for the sports sector before other members of the NFF Congress joined the engagement.
The assessment is expected to cover the circumstances surrounding the mass resignation of the NFF board, the federation’s governance structure, its statutes and electoral process, as well as proposals for a new timetable for an elective congress.
The role of government in the affairs of the federation is also expected to form part of the discussions as FIFA and CAF seek to ensure that any solution complies with the applicable football regulations.
The NFF statutes and the composition of the federation’s Congress have been central to calls for a more inclusive and representative football administration, while stakeholders have also raised concerns over the electoral process.
FIFA had last week said it had not reached any decision on the crisis despite receiving communications from various stakeholders in Nigeria, stressing that the ongoing assessment would come before any recommendations.
In a letter to the NFF, FIFA said the mission would enable both organisations to better understand the recent developments, hear from relevant stakeholders and identify issues requiring further consideration under the FIFA, CAF and NFF regulatory frameworks.
The world football governing body added that, after the assessment, FIFA and CAF would determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making bodies.
“Until such time, the outcome of the assessment remains open and no assumptions should be made as to any action that FIFA and CAF may or may not take,” FIFA said.
The ongoing engagement is therefore expected to provide a clearer roadmap for resolving the NFF crisis, restoring a functional Congress and establishing a stable leadership structure for Nigerian football.
The process could also determine the next steps towards an acceptable electoral arrangement and broader reforms aimed at preventing recurring leadership disputes within the federation.
