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, including General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, revealed this during a meeting with FIFA and Confederation of African Football officials in Switzerland.

The government presented its reform proposals to FIFA after the leadership vacuum, as there was no provision in the rulebook for such a situation. FIFA acknowledged the proposal, insisting that the reform process must adhere to the applicable rules. FIFA may establish a normalisation committee to oversee the reform, which will be appointed by FIFA with defined terms of reference and timelines.

The committee, expected to operate for six months to one year, will report directly to FIFA while consulting with the Nigerian government. Stakeholder consultations have already commenced with NFF Congress members, and the reforms will target the NFF electoral system, including a potential transparent selection process for candidates and their teams.