FIFA backs Nigeria football reforms, may set up normalisation committee – Dikko

FIFA has approved Nigeria's plan to overhaul its football administration following the resignation of the entire Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board and General Secretary, according to Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission. The government presented the reform proposals to FIFA after the leadership vacuum created by the resignation led to uncertainty about who would run the NFF legally within the rulebook.

Dikko revealed that FIFA endorsed both the resignation and the proposed reforms but stressed that the process must adhere to FIFA's rules and procedures. FIFA may appoint a normalisation committee to oversee the reform process, which would be appointed by FIFA with specific terms of reference and timelines. The committee could operate for six months to one year, depending on the extent of the reforms required and the agreement reached with stakeholders.

Members of the committee would remain independent of the NFF electoral process. Stakeholder consultations have begun, and Dikko emphasized that the reforms would also address the NFF electoral system, proposing a transparent and selective selection process for candidates. The reforms are expected to be implemented in phases, potentially extending beyond the tenure of a normalisation committee.