FIFA suspends Nigerian federation for government interference.
According to Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, associate members are obliged to manage their affairs independently and without interference from third parties.
Cristina Indio do Brasil - Reporter for Agência Brasil
The Emergency Committee of the International Federation of Football (FIFA) decided today (9) to suspend the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) because of government interference in the entity. According to Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, associate members are obliged to manage their affairs independently and without interference from third parties.
Before applying the punishment, the entity had sent a letter to the federation on July 4th, expressing concern about the legal proceedings against the federation and the court order from the High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which prevented the president, members of the executive committee, and the congress of the NFF from administering football in the African country.
With the suspension, neither Nigerian national teams nor clubs can participate in regional, continental, or international tournaments. The punishment includes friendly matches and stipulates that no member or participant of the NFF can participate in development programs or courses promoted by FIFA and CAF during the period of the suspension.
If the measure remains in place until July 15, Nigeria will be excluded from the next FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which will be held between August 5 and 24.