FIFA issue ban to Nigeria
FIFA have suspended Nigeria from all international competitions due to government interference.
FIFA reached the decision after a number of Nigerian Football Federation officials were brought before the court of law.
The new NFF board has not been allowed to operate after a ruling from a Lagos High court. The court ruled that the NFF elections which took place in August were null and void.
"The FIFA Emergency Committee decided today to suspend the NFF with immediate effect on account of government interference," a FIFA statement read.
The statement added, "During the period of suspension, the NFF will not be able to be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, and also not in friendly matches."
FIFA rules state that a member football association cannot be interfered with by its government.
Nigeria were scheduled to play Guinea in Conakry in the African Cup of Nations, but Nigeria’s position and participation in the tournament is now in serious doubt.
FIFA were unhappy with Nigeria over a bid by the Nigerian Sports Minister to restart the league without regulating past seasons.
Relations with FIFA and the Nigerian government became more strained when the Nigerian Sports Commission forced the secretary-general Musa Amadu to step down and the FIFA decided to take action when a court ruling banned newly elected NFF members.
The National Association of Nigerian Footballers forced the newly elected NFF board to the courts after allegations that they defied a court ruling to proceed with polls from the August election.
As a result, the NFF president Aminu Maigari, vice president Mike Umeh, secretary-general Musa Amadu and FIFA committee member executive Amos Amadu were brought by the Nigerian authorities to face the courts.
FIFA have acted by penalising Nigeria and the country will be banned from international football indefinitely.
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