FIFA, CAF suspend Nigeria Football Federation electoral process

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have requested the immediate suspension of the ongoing electoral process of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as they assess the latest developments within the country's football governing body.

The decision follows a series of communications received by FIFA and CAF concerning the NFF, including notifications regarding the resignation of the NFF president, members of the Executive Committee, and the General Secretary.

FIFA and CAF also referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1, involving representatives of FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The meeting focused on the current situation within the NFF and the implications of the recent developments.

According to the communication, FIFA and CAF are currently reviewing the legal, governance, administrative, and electoral implications arising from the situation within the NFF.

The two football governing bodies said the assessment requires a careful examination of the facts, the applicable NFF regulations, and the positions communicated by the various stakeholders.

However, FIFA and CAF stressed that they have not reached any conclusions on the matters under review and have not made a determination on what steps could follow.

As part of efforts to preserve the status quo while the assessment continues, FIFA and CAF have requested that the ongoing NFF electoral process be suspended.

They further instructed that no additional steps or decisions should be taken in connection with the electoral process until further notice.

FIFA and CAF clarified that the request should not be interpreted as a ruling on the validity of decisions, actions, processes, or positions put forward by any of the stakeholders involved.

The request is intended to allow the two bodies to complete their assessment and continue consultations with the relevant parties.

FIFA and CAF have also requested that a designated representative serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA, and CAF until further notice.

The representative has been asked to communicate the request for the suspension of the electoral process to all relevant stakeholders, including the competent electoral bodies of the NFF.

FIFA and CAF are also planning a joint assessment mission to Abuja, Nigeria, at the earliest possible opportunity.

The mission will involve engagements with key stakeholders and is aimed at gathering additional information to help FIFA and CAF conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation.

Among those expected to participate in meetings are

• Representatives of the NFF administration

• Representatives of NFF members

• Representatives of the NFF electoral bodies

• Representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the National Sports Commission (NSC)

FIFA and CAF have requested support in coordinating the logistical arrangements for the mission and facilitating meetings with the relevant stakeholders.

FIFA and CAF said the assessment mission will help them gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF.

The two organizations will also consider the views of the various stakeholders and determine whether there are issues requiring further examination under the applicable FIFA, CAF, and NFF regulations.

After the assessment is completed, FIFA and CAF will determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making bodies.

For now, however, the outcome remains open.

FIFA and CAF stressed that no assumptions should be made about any action they may or may not take until the assessment process has been completed.