#Buhari challenges #FIFA on reforms, warns NFF

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked the world football governing body, International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), to pay attention to accountability and transparency as it embarks on football development and reforms.

Receiving the visiting FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and the body’s newly appointed Secretary-General, Fatma Samuora, at State House yesterday, Buhari challenged football administrators to fashion out strategic programmes to develop the game without compromising its essence.

Congratulating the duo on their election, particularly Samuora, the first African and female to be elected FIFA Secretary-General, Buhari welcomed Infantino’s programme to reform the world game through transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.

The President pledged the country’s support to FIFA’s reform agenda, noting that they were similar to those his presidency had outlined to resuscitate Nigeria.
‘‘Majority of Nigerians are married to football. In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’ to watch the game.

‘‘We will take the development of football very seriously and I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to behave itself and organise effective competitions for the good of the game,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Infantino asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.

‘‘I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however, infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen, ’’ he said.

In a chat with State House correspondents later, Infantino reiterated the position of the World Football body that it only recognises the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

He dismissed the existence of a parallel NFF, saying that he was only aware of oppositions within the NFF. His words, “I don’t think there is leadership crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation There is an elected president, who was elected two years ago. The situation now, in a country like Nigeria you face some oppositions from some persons, who are not happy with the results, but democracy has spoken .




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