July 13, 2018

FIFA recognises only Pinnick as NFF president, Infantino says

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino says the world football ruling body recognises only Amaju Pinnick as president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and will not accept any outside interference in NFF’s affairs.

Infantino, while responding to questions at a press conference in Moscow on Friday, said Pinnick was duly elected and in accordance with FIFA rules.

“The situation is very clear. Pinnick was duly elected some years ago, and FIFA is aware of all this.

“It is also clear to all within the family that there can be no interference in the running of the national federations by any party, especially those outside the football family.

“So, Pinnick is the President of NFF for FIFA, because he is the one elected,’’ he said.

The FIFA president added that Nigeria as a member-association of FIFA, would then be at the risk of facing the world body’s sanctions if the situation continued as it is now.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NFF has Chris Giwa as its president currently, owing to a compliance with a court order.

Giwa had obtained a Jos court order to take over the running of affairs at the NFF in compliance with a Supreme Court order.

The apex court had directed all parties involved in the matter to return to the lower courts for another look at the case against NFF’s Sept. 30, 2014 elections in Warri.

Giwa had insisted that his earlier election on July 24, 2014 in Abuja should stand, while Pinnick’s election in Warri took place contrary to laid-down regulations.