FIFA President Gianni Infantino has
stated that Nigeria risks being banned if the Nigeria Football Federation's
leadership, as recognized by the world football governing body, continues to be
compromised
Infantino didn't mince words in
addressing the issue at a press conference in Moscow.
"The situation is very clear.
We have statutes, we have regulations that there can be no interference in the
running of the association," Infantino began.
"For this reason, Pinnick is
working here in an official capacity. He is the president recognized by FIFA,
he is the president elected by the members of the Nigeria football association
and that is the end of the story.
"If any external body thinks
that they can change the situation, then of course Nigeria will risk being
banned as it has happened with other countries because we have processes that
need to be respected.
"It is a very clear cut and simple
case as far as we are concerned," Infantino concluded, "and we have
made this very clear.
"Maybe you can help us transmit it
if we didn't come across very clear enough."
Giwa, who has been handed a
worldwide ban by FIFA, claimed that he was elected by the NFF congress in
August 2014.
FIFA refused to recognize his
election, pointing to third-party interference, and when Giwa appealed to the
Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS agreed with the governing body and dismissed
his challenge.
Giwa subsequently took the issue
to the Nigerian Federal court where he obtained a temporary order asking the
Nigerian sports ministry to recognize him as the duly elected president pending
the determination of the main case.
A court hearing earlier this week
failed to resolve the issue the case was adjourned to September 25.
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
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