THE crisis that has bedeviled Nigerian football for more than four months may soon come to end if the warring parties adhere to the proceeds of their separate parleys with Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo. But should the issues remain unresolved up till Friday, world football governing body, FIFA, says Nigeria will be excommunicate from international football.
In a letter to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, yesterday, FIFA warned Nigerians to desist from acts capable of disrupting the smooth running of the GAME
in the country as such actions would attract severe sanctions on the country.
in the country as such actions would attract severe sanctions on the country.
Danagogo had disclosed yesterday that he met with both sides in the crisis on ways to resolve the conflict and according to the minister, the parties have gone back to consult with their members on the way forward.
The minister disclosed that he would meet with the factions again today in the continued process to find lasting solution to the crisis.
He disclosed that he has begged the parties to withdraw their different cases in court, make peace and resolve their differences, adding that it was the only way to avoid constant confrontation with the world footballgoverning body, FIFA.
In appealing to them to withdraw their cases from court, he said there was a need for them to make sacrifices in the spirit of give and take, stressing that neither he nor the NSC as a body can stop individuals from going to court nor stop the courts from hearing cases brought before it except to persuade them to do so. He, therefore, called on Nigerians and all sports lovers to prevail on them to withdraw their cases and settle the issues amicably.
"I have met with them and have told them to make peace by making sacrifices. They should withdraw the case they have in court, as that is the only way we can avoid the threats of FIFA ban.
"I cannot stop people from going to court nor can I stop the court from hearing cases brought before it. What we advise is for matters of this nature to be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), which is the right body to hear such cases so that we avoid the threats of FIFA ban all the time," the minister stressed.
In the letter to Pinnick signed by its secretary general, Jerome Valcke, FIFA said: "We take note of the order granted by the Federal High Court nullifying the NFF elections of September 30 2014 and the fact that some persons claiming to have been legitimately elected previously went to occupy the offices of the NFF causing great confusion among the ADMINISTRATIVE staff. We also note that security forces prevented you from travelling to Namibia where you were supposed to represent the NFF at the final match of the African Women Championship.
staff. We also note that security forces prevented you from travelling to Namibia where you were supposed to represent the NFF at the final match of the African Women Championship.
"As stated in our previous letters dated September 9 2014 and October 2 2014, FIFA stressed that should the electoral process and the installment of the newly elected NFF board be affected by any interference, the case would be brought to the attention of the appropriate FIFA bodies for a suspension of the NFF until he FIFA Congress due to take place on 28 and 29 May 2015. The course of events as described in your correspondence clearly shows that interference has not cased."
The letter added that in order to give Nigeria a last OPPORTUNITYto avoid a lengthy ban, if by Friday, October 31 FIFA did not see proof that the Jos High Court case has been definitely withdrawn and that the Pinnick board was able to carry out its duties without hindrance, it would refer the case to the appropriate committee for implementation of the suspension.
to avoid a lengthy ban, if by Friday, October 31 FIFA did not see proof that the Jos High Court case has been definitely withdrawn and that the Pinnick board was able to carry out its duties without hindrance, it would refer the case to the appropriate committee for implementation of the suspension.
"We would like to underline the dire effects of a suspension could have on Nigerian football. It would for instance mean that no team from Nigeria of any sort (including club teams) could have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA statutes). But it would also mean that neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials could benefit from any developmental programmes, courses or training from FIFA or CAF any longer."
Meanwhile, Senate President, David Mark, has joined in pleading with the NFF to resolve its crisis in the interest of the country and the sports loving Nigerians. Mark made the appeal at the OPENING session of the Senate plenary yesterday.
session of the Senate plenary yesterday.
The Senate President said that all those involved in the crisis rocking the football house should sheath their swords and place the country first.
He noted that resolution of NFF crisis has become even more urgent in view of the FIFA threat looming over the country.
Mark said: "FIFA is threatening to ban us, we must not allow that to happen. Those involved should resolve their crisis and put the nation first in all they do."
See full story:The Guardian
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