FIFA has accepted the mass resignations that swept through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last week, clearing the way for the country to proceed with a major overhaul of its football administration.
The development was confirmed by the NFF following a meeting between a Nigerian delegation and FIFA officials to discuss the leadership changes and the future direction of Nigerian football.
The mass resignations followed growing pressure over the performance of Nigeria’s national teams and culminated in the departure of NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
The entire NFF executive committee also resigned, while the leadership of several league bodies was removed as Nigeria underwent an unprecedented shake-up of its football administration.
FIFA sanction fears dismissed
The sweeping changes initially raised concerns about possible FIFA intervention, with fears that the restructuring could breach the principle of football independence and expose Nigeria to sanctions.
Those concerns were heightened by a purported FIFA letter circulating in sections of the Nigerian media.
The NFF has since dismissed the document as fake.
“@thenff 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 clarification followed a meeting between Nigerian officials and FIFA, during which the delegation provided an explanation of the changes taking place within the federation.
The delegation was led by National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko and included NFF administrator Emmanuel Ikpeme, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade and former NFF president Amaju Pinnick.
Interim administration to oversee reforms
Following the departure of Gusau and the executive committee, Ikpeme has assumed responsibility as interim general secretary while the authorities work towards establishing a new administrative structure.
FIFA has acknowledged the resignations, while discussions continue between the National Sports Commission, the NFF administration, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over the proposed reforms.
The NFF said the parties had reached a mutual understanding on how the restructuring process should proceed within the existing football regulations.
“FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco, and 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 development removes immediate fears of FIFA sanctions over the mass resignations and gives Nigerian authorities room to proceed with their proposed restructuring of the country’s football administration.
The focus now shifts to the implementation of the reform roadmap and the establishment of a new leadership structure for Nigerian football.
