The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has threatened to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation if Amaju Pinnick is removed as president.
A letter was released to this effect on Monday, April 11 – with FIFA warning that the sacking of Amaju Pinnick by the federal high court in Jos is considered an interference in the internal affairs of the NFF.
The letter signed by Markus Kattner, Acting Secretary General, stated that “we acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 8 April 2016 with regard to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Jos which apparently nullified the elections of 30 September 2014 of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).”
“In this respect, and first of all, we would like to remind you that according to articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes, all members associations have to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties. In addition and according to article 68 of the FIFA Statutes, recourse to ordinary courts of law is prohibited unless specifically provided for in the FIFA regulations. Furthermore, it is the duty of each member association to ensure that these provisions are implemented by its members and possibly take sanctions against those which fail to respect these obligations.”
“In view of the above, the decision of the Federal High Court in Jos, if implemented, would likely be considered as an interference in the internal affairs of the NFF and the case would be brought to the highest authorities of FIFA for consideration of sanctions, including the suspension of the NFF.”
“Lastly, we would like to stress that the plaintiff in question already filed an appeal in relation to the same matter with the highest judicial sport authorities, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and that said appeal was dismissed by the CAS on 18 May 2015. We thank you for taking note of the above and kindly ask you to keep us informed of any development.”
Leave a reply