FIFA may ban Nigeria
By Cheta Nwanze with Agency Reports

June 26, 2010 04:07PM
     
Nigeria could be banned by FIFA due to government interference in the running of football in the country.

In a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) signed by FIFA general-secretary, Jerome Valcke, the football governing body warned that Nigeria would be sanctioned if there is any evidence of government interference in the running of football in the country.

The National Sports Commission (NSC), which is headed by sports minister Ibrahim Bio, had before the World Cup ordered the NFF to suspend all electoral processes, but the NFF insisted on proceeding with a time-table for the polls.

The NFF went ahead to inform FIFA of this direct interference by government in the running of football in Nigeria and the world football governing body has in turn warned that the country risk a ban should such meddling continue.

Earlier in the week, FIFA president Sepp Blatter rejected a request by Ibrahim Bio to stop elections to the executive committee of the NFF which have been scheduled for August 21 in Lagos.

NFF president Sani Lulu, a civil servant, is seeking re-election, along with most of the current executive.

According to a statement signed by NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire, Blatter also used that meeting to reiterate confidence in the leadership of the NFF, which according to him has recorded several achievements on and off the pitch since 2006 when the current board assumed office.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5585914-146/fifa_may_ban_nigeria__.csp

World Cup 2010:  

Nigeria managed only one point after drawing 2-2 with South Korea
Nigeria's president has suspended his nation's football team from international competition for two years after a poor showing at the World Cup

The Nigerian Football Federation is to be dissolved and an interim board appointed, the BBC understands.

Nigeria were knocked out in the group stages without winning a game.

Niboro said: "President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that Nigeria withdraws from international competition for two years to enable the country to put its house in order.

Fifa's position regarding political interference in football is well known. Our statutes do not allow for any political interference

Fifa statement
"This directive became necessary following Nigeria's poor performance in the ongoing World Cup."

The president also plans an audit of the country's World Cup organising committee.

"If any financial misappropriation is discovered, all officials responsible will be held accountable," Niboro added.

The NFF released a statement apologising to "all football-loving Nigerians" for the country's early exit from South Africa.

"No previous board has qualified Nigeria for all major tournaments internationally," the statement read, adding that officials wanted Swedish coach Lars Lagerbeck to remain at the helm.

Rotimi Amaechi, head of a special presidential task force on the World Cup campaign, said Nigeria would write to football's world governing body Fifa to explain its decision.

"We went to the World Cup and found all sorts of problems and we felt we should sit back and look inward," Amaechi told reporters.

Extended highlights - Nigeria 2-2 South Korea
Under Fifa rules, government interference with national teams is strictly forbidden.

"At the time of writing, we have no official information on this matter," a Fifa statement read.

"However, in general, Fifa's position regarding political interference in football is well known. Our statutes do not allow for any political interference."

Nigeria's risks their national and club teams, plus referees, being banned from all international competitions - and their officials would not be allowed to attend meetings or events.

Nigeria were set to begin their bid to qualify for the 2012 African Nations Cup finals in September against Madagascar.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8777118.stm

FIFA monitor reports of Nigeria ban
Published: Thu Jul 1 2010, 9.08AM

FIFA will monitor reports emanating out of Nigeria that the country's president has banned the national squad from international competition for two years after their disappointing World Cup.

A presidential spokesman made the announcement in Lagos on Wednesday after the Super Eagles bowed out of the tournament with just one point. In previous cases, FIFA have suspended a national association where governments have intervened in the running of the game.

FIFA said in a statement: "We have no official information on this matter. However, in general, FIFA's position regarding political interference in football is well known."

The Nigerian FA have apologised for the team's showing, saying in a statement: "Discipline will continue to be key issue in Nigerian national team camps, national youth teams will be exposed to more international tournaments and the senior teams will be made to play more friendly games."

http://www.itv.com/sport/football/fifaworldcup/news/fifa-monitor-reports-of-nigeria-ban-46611/

World Cup 2010: Nigeria facing explusion from Fifa

Extended highlights - Greece 2-1 Nigeria
Nigeria risk being expelled from Fifa if football's world governing body decides there has been unacceptable government interference.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8780028.stm

News from around the world.

FIFA threat to kick out Nigeria
Published: Today

NIGERIA could be banned by FIFA if football bigwigs decide the government has interfered.
FIFA are investigating the Nigerian president's claim that he has blocked the team from competing for two years as punishment for their World Cup failure.

President Goodluck Jonathan's decree included the end of the Nigerian FA.

But that appears to go against FIFA's rules on government interference in the running of national FAs.

A FIFA spokesman said: "The worst sanction available is a national association being expelled.

"We have a very clear position on political interference but it is premature to say more."

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/worldcup2010/3038002/FIFA-threat-to-kick-out-Nigeria.html#ixzz0sVipbIsU

World Cup 2010: Fifa issues ban deadline to Nigeria 

Extended highlights - Greece 2-1 Nigeria

[b]Fifa will expel Nigeria from world football unless the country's government overturns a two-year ban of the national team by Monday 1700 BST.

Fifa has written to Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan asking him to reverse his decision to suspend the team after a poor performance at the World Cup.

Nigeria's House of Representatives has passed a resolution asking Jonathan to reverse his order in fear of sanctions.

Excerpts

"Fifa has sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday at 6pm to cancel its direction to withdraw Nigeria's participation from all Fifa and Caf competitions for the next two years," said Fifa's communications director Nicolas Maingot on Friday.

"Also the management committee set up by the Nigeria government will not be recognised by Fifa.

If Nigeria are suspended, the country cannot participate in competitive matches or club games in African competitions, as well as a host of financial ramifications.

"A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national teams," added Maingot. "It also freezes financial help and no referees can participate in international competition."


Fifa rules prohibit any government intervention with its members[/b].

For more . . . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8780028.stm

World Cup 2010: Nigeria 'drops team ban threat' 

Nigeria failed to win in South Africa, finishing bottom of Group B
The Nigerian government has rescinded its decision to ban the national football team from all competitions, according to reports.

Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8790094.stm