FIFA warn Nigeria over ban

by Setanta Staff , 02 July 2010

FIFA have given the Nigerian government until Monday to withdraw their ban on the Super Eagles playing international football for two years.


On Wednesday Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan suspended his country’s national team for two years as punishment for finishing bottom of their group at the World Cup finals.

FIFA are against governments interfering with footballing matters and warned countries that they risk losing their place within the organisation if this was allowed to happen and the sport's governing body was confirmed that Nigeria will be suspended until the ban is lifted.

"FIFA have today sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday at 6pm to cancel its direction to withdraw Nigeria's participation from all FIFA and CAF competitions for the next two years," FIFA communications director Nicolas Maingot said.

"Failure to do so will lead to the suspension of the NFF. Also the management committee set up by the Nigeria government will not be recognised by FIFA.

"FIFA executive committee member Dr Amos Adamu [from Nigeria] will be in Nigeria on Monday for a last mediation attempt."

Explaining the terms of the suspension, Maingot added: "A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national teams. It also freezes financial help and no referees can participate in international competition."

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