The world football governing body FIFA has made it very clear that Nigeria risk being banned if the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as recognized by it, continues to be compromised.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick is facing a challenge to his position from Christopher Giwa, who claims he was elected on August 2014 and, acting on the basis of an interim court order, has taken control of the NFF.
However, ESPN reports that FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, while fielding questions from journalists during a press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium in Russia on Friday, didn’t mince his words as he said that FIFA recognises Pinnick as the NFF president.
He added that the crisis, which has seen Chris Giwa take control of the body, could cost Nigeria a ban.
His words: “Well, Nigeria Football Federation president is Pinnick. He is the elected president,” Infantino said.
“That has been made clear long time ago when the issue came up four years ago and the issue came up again.
“The situation is very clear, we have statutes and regulations that there cannot be interference in the running of associations.
“Of course, for these reasons, Pinnick is working here in Russia in an official capacity.
“He is the president, he is the president for FIFA, he is the president elected by the members of the Nigeria football association.
“And that’s the end of the story. But if any external bodies believe they can change the situation, of course Nigeria risks being banned like it happened in other countries.
“Because we have democratic process and they just need to be respected. It is a very clear cut and simple case as far as I am concerned.
“And we’ve made this very clear and will make it more clearer.”
“Maybe you can help us transmit it if we didn’t come across very clear enough.”
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