FIFA Orders Major Reforms As NFF Act Faces Repeal

World football governing body FIFA has directed Nigerian sports authorities to implement a phased reform programme aimed at addressing longstanding administrative and governance challenges within the country’s football system.

The development emerged from a fresh round of discussions on the ongoing crisis surrounding the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), involving senior officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), representatives of State Football Associations, as well as stakeholders representing players, referees and coaches.

According to information from a participant at the meeting, FIFA wants the proposed reforms to be implemented in three stages covering the short, medium and long terms.

The process is also expected to be backed by a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure continuity. Under the proposed arrangement, any administration that emerges from future NFF elections would be required to complete the reforms rather than abandon them after assuming office.

Among those present at the stakeholder meeting were NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, the commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, popularly known as Zulu.

The discussions are coming amid heightened uncertainty over the future leadership and structure of Nigerian football following the recent crisis within the NFF.

A source familiar with the discussions said FIFA is expected to send a delegation to Nigeria within seven to 10 days as consultations continue.

The source also dismissed reports suggesting that the NSC had already selected members of a proposed Normalisation Committee, stressing that the authority to establish such a committee rests with FIFA.

According to the source, FIFA could decide to appoint a foreign administrator to oversee the process if it determines that such an arrangement is necessary, with the cost potentially being covered by the world football governing body.

A major issue reportedly under consideration is the legal framework governing Nigerian football, with the repeal of the existing NFF Act being discussed as part of the broader reform process.

The proposed legal changes are expected to provide a clearer and more effective statutory foundation for the administration of football in Nigeria.

The reform discussions are also expected to focus on ensuring that future NFF leadership remains committed to implementing agreed changes regardless of political or administrative transitions.

The latest development signals a potentially significant restructuring of Nigerian football, with stakeholders now awaiting further clarification on FIFA’s position and the next steps towards resolving the leadership crisis.

If a Normalisation Committee is eventually established, its mandate, membership and powers would be determined through the appropriate FIFA process rather than solely by Nigerian sports authorities.