FIFA threatens sanction against Nigeria

Following the ruling of the Federal High Court in Jos which nullified the September 30, 2014 election of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that brought Amaju Pinnick’s board to power, the world football governing body, FIFA, yesterday warned that it would sanction Nigeria if the court ruling is implemented.
In a letter addressed to Pinnick and signed by Acting General Secretary of FIFA Markus Kattner, yesterday and was made available to our reporter, FIFA reminded the federation of FIFA statues that forbids member associations taking issues to the ordinary court.

The letter reads in part: “We would like to remind you that according to article 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statues, all members associations have to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.
“In addition and according to article 68 of the FIFA Statues, recourse to ordinary courts of law is prohibited unless specifically provided for in the FIFA regulations.”
FIFA went further to threaten to sanction Nigeria if the judgment of the court is implemented.
“The decision of the Federal High Court in Jos, if implemented, would likely be considered as an interference in the internal affairs of the NFF and the case would be brought to the highest authorities of FIFA for consideration of sanctions, including the suspension of the NFF.”
It would be recalled that Federal High Court in Jos re-listed the case filed against the Pinnick-led board on Friday while also ordering the sack of the board.
Consequently, Chris Giwa’s faction declared it will start work officially on Monday and later announced the appointment of a new acting General Secretary and heads of departments.
However, Pinnick’s group claimed they have appealed against the ruling and were granted the stay of execution against their removal from office.
The Nigeria Police has since deployed men to the secretariat of the NFF to forestall any breach of public peace as the two factions continued holding claim to the NFF board.