Tensions were calmed yesterday, after Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) decided to cancel it plans to ban Nigeria from international soccer activities. The World governing football body made its resolution after citing that the Federal Government has pledge to work with them.
FIFA had last week given the Nigerian government uptil yesterday noon to ensure that only Amaju Pinnick board was in the NFF glasshouse, as that was the only way to avoid ban.
According to reports, FIFA stated that the Nigerian Government have given its assurance on the matter. The Letter reads: “Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of August 13, 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA received confirmation that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices. “In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect. “FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to. ”Earlier, the Presidency through the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said it recognized the Pinnick-led NFF board as the authentic executives of the federation.
Akande responded on twitter that the Federal Government have already stated its position on the subject matter. “The Federal Government has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current and only NFF executive. “Government will also continue to work with all relevant stakeholders involved to resolve the dispute in a timely manner. “The Federal Government is upholding NFF treaty obligations to FIFA,” he tweeted.
NFF Secretary Mohammed also thanked the Federal Government for her intervention in resolving the crises. In an Interview with Guardian yesterday, Mohammed: “We have been working from the secretariat since the Presidency intervened in the crisis. “Now, we will channel our energies to building Nigerian football instead of unnecessary crisis.”