The world football governing body, FIFA, has endorsed Nigeria’s plans to comprehensively reform the administration of football in the country, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has said.
Dikko disclosed this in an interview with ARISE NEWS after meeting with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials in Switzerland.
His comments followed the mass resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership, including President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
According to Dikko, the resignations created a leadership vacuum within the NFF, prompting the Federal Government to present its proposed reform agenda to FIFA.
He said FIFA had endorsed the resignations and agreed that reforms were necessary, but stressed that the process must be carried out in accordance with the relevant FIFA, CAF and NFF statutes and regulations.
Dikko said the proposed reforms would address longstanding concerns surrounding the governance and administration of Nigerian football, with consultations expected to involve key stakeholders.
FIFA and the NFF had earlier announced that discussions would continue on a roadmap covering short-, medium- and long-term reforms aimed at producing a more inclusive and stable football administration in Nigeria.
Dikko also disclosed that FIFA could establish a normalisation committee to oversee the reform process if necessary. Such a committee, according to him, would be appointed by FIFA, have clearly defined terms of reference and operate for a specified period, potentially between six months and one year depending on the scope of the reforms.
The proposed restructuring is expected to touch on areas including the NFF electoral process, governance, stakeholder representation, football development and administration.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had also confirmed that FIFA was working with Nigerian authorities on strengthening the country’s football structures and creating more opportunities for young players.
The NFF electoral process, which had been scheduled to hold in September, was suspended amid the leadership crisis and ongoing discussions over the proposed reforms.
Attention is now on the roadmap that will emerge from the consultations between FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government, the NFF and other football stakeholders, as Nigeria seeks to establish a new administrative structure for its football.
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