NFF Crisis: FIFA orders Giwa’s removal, threatens sanction

The World Soccer Ruling Body, FIFA, has ordered the removal of Chris Giwa, the newly elected factional president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

In a letter dated August 29 and addressed to the General Secretary, Musa Amadu, FIFA gave Mr. Giwa till midnight, Monday, September 1, 2014 to vacate the office.

FIFA said that from the report it received, the election that produced Mr. Giwa was not acceptable.

The body also warned it will sanction Nigeria if Mr. Giwa does not step down.

The NFF has been enmeshed in leadership crisis for a while culminating in the factionalised congresses that held on Tuesday August 26 in Abuja.

Mr. Giwa was elected as president of one faction and the other faction led by Aminu Maigari fixed its own election for September 4.

In a swift response, Mr. Giwa vowed to remain in office, saying he is the elected president of the NFF.

He said the NFF will provide a detailed and convincing response to the world governing body by Monday morning.

“We call on Nigerians not to panic. The NFF is not intimidated and we do not expect any sanction because we have done the appropriate thing,” a statement by the NFF spokesperson, Ademola Olajiire, quoted Mr. Giwa as saying.

“For us, it is not about noise -making. FIFA has admitted in its letter that the General Assembly is the highest decision –making body of any association/federation. That is perfect,” he said.

Mr. Giwa recalled that the General Assembly of Nigeria Football Federation had at the 69th meeting on Thursday, 28th November, 2013 decided that elective Congress would take place on 26th August, 2014.

“If FIFA admits that the General Assembly is the highest decision–making body, and the highest decision–maker resolved at their meeting in 2013 that elections would take place on 26th August, 2013, no other body can change that decision. Certainly, the NFF Executive Committee is not qualified to change that decision,” the statement said.

He said: “there is absolutely nothing to fear. Our response is ready. FIFA will receive position of the Federation and will be convinced that elections have, indeed, taken place.”