ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) — FIFA has suspended the Nigerian Football Federation for government interference.
FIFA said in a statement Monday that its emergency committee has suspended the NFF, effective immediately. The federation “will not be able to be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, and also not in friendly matches.”
FIFA rules prohibit government interference with national soccer governing bodies.
In Nigeria’s case, several developments prompted the suspension, including court actions against elected members of the NFF executive committee, the federation’s general secretary stepping down on orders from the government-run National Sports Commission, and the decision of the sports minister to start the Nigerian soccer league without relegation from the previous season.
