NFF denies reports of FIFA sanctions over officials’ resignations

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports that FIFA is planning to sanction Nigeria over the recent resignation of some of its top officials.

The federation also dismissed as fake a letter allegedly written by FIFA demanding an explanation for the mass resignations at the NFF.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi resigned from their positions last week. Emmanuel Ikpeme was later appointed acting general secretary pending the completion of the planned reforms.

The resignations had raised concerns that Nigeria could face a FIFA ban for allegedly violating the organisation’s rules.

Amid the concerns, a Nigerian delegation led by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The delegation also included NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, acting NFF General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme and former NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, the NFF described the alleged FIFA letter as “totally fake”.

“NFF has debunked news of a ‘letter’ circulating in sections of the media as being from world football governing body, FIFA. It is totally fake,” the federation said.

The NFF said discussions were also ongoing with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over a wider reform programme for Nigerian football.

According to the post: “FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco, and mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration, and CAF is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, including agreeing a road map going forward in accordance with the relevant rules books and statutes.”

The NFF had planned to conduct its elections later this month.

However, the elections have been suspended until the ongoing reforms are completed.