FIFA warns NFF not to trigger ‘automatic suspension’

FIFA has reiterated that it would not hesitate to wield the big stick and suspend Nigeria should any of the electoral processes already gone through be tampered with at any stage or by anyone.

The world soccer-governing body banned Nigeria from international matches and events on July 9 at the height of the crisis in Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The suspension was reversed nine days later after FIFA expressed satisfaction with NFF’s compliance with the reinstatement conditions given by its emergency committee.

On August 30 and again on September 3, the body threatened to ban Nigeria if the unrcognised Chris Giwa executive committee did not vacate office.

Now, it has rekindled the idea of suspending Nigeria if the newly-elected board is not allowed to run the affairs of the game.

In a letter dated October 2, 2014 and signed by Secretary-General Jerome Valcke, FIFA acknowledged receipt of correspondence detailing the events of the 2014 NFF elective congress and commended Musa Amadu, NFF secretary-general and the executive committee and management.

“We would like to congratulate the members of the new board on their election and are confident they are committed to continuing the development of football in Nigeria. We would also take this opportunity to praise the NFF and especially you on what have been achieved in recent weeks despite the various difficulties,” read the statement.

“We now expect the NFF and its new leadership to carry out its activities without any hindrance in order to avoid having to again refer the case to the appropriate FIFA bodies for an automatic suspension as stated in our previous correspondence.

“We thank you once again and are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the NFF for the benefit of the numerous lovers of Nigerian football.”

Amaju Melvin Pinnick won Tuesday’s contest for the presidential position with a landslide in the second round, garnering 32 votes against ex –international and former board member Dominic Iorfa’s eight, and former general Secretary and former board member Taiwo Ogunjobi’s four.

However, Chris Giwa, the ‘NFF president’ deposed by FIFA, has refused to recognise the new NFF executive committee and has given the impression that the litany of court suits are far from over.