FIFA, CAF Send Delegation to Abuja, Say No Decision Yet on Nigeria Football Reforms

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football have moved to clarify their position on Nigeria’s ongoing football crisis, insisting that no final decision has been reached on proposed reforms to the administration of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The clarification came as a joint FIFA and CAF delegation prepared to visit Abuja to assess the legal, governance, administrative and electoral issues arising from recent developments within Nigerian football.

In an email dated September 7 and signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov, the world governing body said FIFA and CAF were still examining the situation and had not reached any conclusions on possible next steps.

The clarification followed reports suggesting that FIFA had already endorsed a comprehensive reform programme proposed by the National Sports Commission and other Nigerian stakeholders.

FIFA said the assessment would involve a review of relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and positions communicated by different stakeholders.

The governing bodies also requested that the ongoing NFF electoral process remain suspended until further notice. They said the suspension was intended to preserve the status quo while the assessment continues and should not be interpreted as a determination on the validity of any stakeholder’s position or action.

The planned Abuja mission will involve meetings with representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission.

The delegation is expected to gather information and hear the views of the various stakeholders before FIFA and CAF determine whether recommendations or proposals should be presented to their respective decision-making bodies.

The development follows the mass resignation of former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee.

Earlier discussions between Nigerian officials and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich had focused on developing a roadmap for reforms aimed at creating a more stable and effective football administration.

However, FIFA’s latest communication makes clear that the process remains under review and that no final outcome has been determined.

The clarification is likely to ease concerns over the possibility of immediate external intervention while giving FIFA and CAF time to examine the circumstances surrounding the leadership changes and proposed restructuring.

The Abuja mission will therefore be crucial in determining the next stage of Nigeria’s football administration and whether the proposed reforms receive formal backing.