FIFA, CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, To Visit Nigeria

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have suspended the ongoing electoral process of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and announced plans to send a joint assessment mission to Nigeria amid the leadership crisis rocking the federation.

The directive was contained in a joint communication from FIFA and CAF to the NFF, following recent developments within the federation, including the resignations of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary.

The statement signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov, disclosed that the world and continental football governing bodies said they were still assessing the “legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications” arising from the situation and had yet to reach a conclusion on the matter.

FIFA and CAF also referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1 involving representatives of FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and the Federal Government of Nigeria, where the situation within the federation was discussed.

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“At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,” the statement said.

As part of efforts to coordinate communication while the assessment continues, FIFA and CAF designated the NFF Deputy General Secretary as the primary point of contact between the federation and the two governing bodies until further notice.

They also directed that the electoral process be put on hold.

“Furthermore, and without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing assessment, FIFA and CAF request that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection to that process until further notice,” the statement said.

The bodies said the suspension was intended to preserve the status quo while they complete their assessment and consult relevant stakeholders.

“This request is made in order to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment of the current situation and engage with the relevant stakeholders,” they said.

FIFA and CAF stressed that the directive should not be interpreted as a ruling on the validity of decisions or actions taken by any of the stakeholders involved in the NFF crisis.

They said a joint assessment mission would be sent to Abuja “at the earliest possible opportunity” to engage stakeholders and gather information needed for a comprehensive review of the situation.

The mission is expected to meet with representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation’s electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).

According to FIFA and CAF, the mission will help them better understand the circumstances surrounding the recent developments, the positions of the various stakeholders and any issues requiring further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.

Following the assessment, the two football governing bodies said they would determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making organs.

“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,” the statement added.