LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – According to BSNSports, FIFA appears more likely to support a Normalization Committee for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as consultations continue over the country’s leadership crisis, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
The development follows consultations between FIFA, CAF and key Nigerian football stakeholders.
Four of five NFF stakeholder groups reportedly favoured a Normalization Committee over a Caretaker Committee.
Those groups include the Players’ Union, Coaches Association, League bodies and Nigeria Referees Association.
Their position represents a setback for State FA chairmen advocating a Caretaker Committee.
The campaign followed mass resignations within the NFF leadership and the departure of its General Secretary.
The world governing football body’s Statutes recognize Normalization Committees as mechanisms for addressing exceptional governance situations within member associations.
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However, the statutes do not provide for a Caretaker Committee arrangement.
The distinction could prove crucial as FIFA considers Nigeria’s transitional football administration.
FIFA places strong emphasis on the autonomy and statutory governance of member associations.
Any proposed transitional structure must therefore comply with FIFA regulations and relevant federation statutes.
Recent consultations suggest the Normalization Committee option is gaining broader stakeholder acceptance.
FIFA and CAF are seeking stability while potentially reviewing the NFF’s governance structure.
Their objective is to create conditions for a credible return to elected football administration.
The delegation is expected to meet SWAN members, former NFF presidents and former General Secretaries.
It will also hold a final meeting with the National Sports Commission before leaving Nigeria.
The consultations should clarify FIFA and CAF’s preferred framework for resolving the leadership crisis.
For now, stakeholder opinion appears to favour a Normalization Committee over the proposed Caretaker Committee.
