Politics
Turbulence In Nigerian Football: EFCC Probes NFF, NSC And Jalla React
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has clarified its stance regarding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) ongoing investigation into the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) financial activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A senior NSC official, speaking anonymously to Punch, stated, “The matter concerns the NFF, not the NSC.”
The EFCC, in a letter dated November 28, 2024, and signed by Farouk Dogondaji on behalf of the commission’s chairman, requested detailed records of the NFF’s financial transactions. The request includes sponsorship deals, tournament funds, and FIFA/CAF grants received since 2022.
Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria Task Force, acknowledged his awareness of the probe through media reports.
“I was surprised to see news of the investigation. I don’t yet have all the details,” Jalla told Punch. He noted receiving numerous inquiries after the announcement.
Earlier this year, Jalla had called for transparency regarding the $21.1 million in FIFA grants received by the NFF between 2014 and 2024. This figure included funds from the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and a $2.5 million FIFA Assisted Programme grant.
The NSC distanced itself from the investigation, with Micheal Obasi, media aide to the director-general, describing any claims linking the commission to the probe as “malicious” and “misleading.”
“To be clear, the EFCC has only requested documents related to the Nigeria Football Federation,” the NSC reiterated.
The EFCC’s investigation covers several aspects, including funding for international competitions, FIFA grants for the Super Falcons’ World Cup campaign, and CAF allocations for the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Jalla has previously raised concerns about the NFF’s financial management, citing mounting debts and unpaid wages for players and staff, despite receiving substantial grants. He also emphasized the need for better use of FIFA and CAF funds to establish a robust and sustainable technical development framework within the NFF.
The EFCC’s request for records is based on Section 38 (1) and (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act of 2004, which underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds in Nigerian sports.
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