Nigeria Football Federation to pay for cancelling friendly match versus Iran
The Iran Football Federation is demanding compensation from the Nigeria Football Federation after the latter pulled out of their friendly match which was to be held on Wednesday 17 November.
Compensation figures are currently estimated around $300,000 for various expenses, and Nigeria is already looking for ways to reach an agreement which might reduce that amount.
Abbas Torabian, the Director of the International Committee of IFF was quoted by
Complete Sports as saying, "We sent a letter to Nigerian Football Federation and claimed compensation after the match was canceled unilaterally, they answered our letter swiftly."
Initially, officials in Nigeria cited the unavailability of certain key players being the reason for Nigeria's opting to cancel the friendly, but
Torabian hinted that Iran believed this was not the whole truth.
Some are suggesting that foreign affairs might once again be impinging on the sport of football after a shipment of weapons originating out of Iran was intercepted with the cargo finding its way into Nigeria.
The NFF's acting secretary general, Musa Amadu, recently spoke with
KickOffNigeria.com and was quoted as saying:
"All I can say at this time is that both federations are discussing and we hope to reach an amicable and reasonable settlement. We want to find a solution that will not damage the relationship between the two federations, and we hope to have all that resolved
at the earliest possible time."
Speculation has it that the two sides will meet in 2011. According to a report published by the
Tehran Times, Torabian has been quoted as saying, "The Nigerian Football Federation secretary general Musa Amadu sent us a letter in which he stated their key players cannot accompany the team. Amadu suggested playing two friendlies in 2011."
Torabian has suggested, however, that this will not stop Iran from seeking compensation for the original match's cancellation.
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