The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is yet to formally approve Nigeria’s proposed NFF Normalisation Committee, despite holding what officials described as fruitful discussions with a Nigerian delegation in Zurich.
The development followed a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, at FIFA headquarters on Tuesday.
The meeting centred on Nigeria’s proposed response to the crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following the mass resignation of the Ibrahim Gusau-led board.
President Bola Tinubu had subsequently directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, with the situation described by the presidency as a matter of national concern.
In response, the NSC, which supervises activities of the NFF, proposed establishing a NFF Normalisation Committee to oversee the reform process and organise fresh elections for a new federation board.
That proposal was presented to FIFA during the Zurich meeting for consideration and ratification.
However, FIFA reportedly stopped short of granting immediate approval and is expected to send a delegation to Nigeria before taking a final position on the proposed committee.
The global football governing body is also expected to play a significant role in determining the composition of the committee.
Sources said the individuals eventually selected would be required to undergo FIFA’s mandatory integrity and eligibility checks, similar to the process applicable to executive committee members of FIFA-affiliated organisations.
The proposed committee is intended to temporarily fill the administrative vacuum created by the resignation of the Gusau-led NFF board.
While earlier reports suggested that the committee could operate for about three months, sources cited in the report said its tenure could potentially extend from six months to one year.
The longer period, according to the sources, would allow the National Sports Commission to carry out the proposed reforms more comprehensively before fresh elections are conducted.
The NSC is reportedly continuing discussions with FIFA on the structure and selection process following Tuesday’s meeting.
Among the names being considered to lead the proposed NFF Normalisation Committee is AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Mustapha is reportedly favoured by a number of political stakeholders within the presidency.
His profile, according to Sports Village Square, includes membership of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.
The position would give him direct exposure to FIFA’s operations and administrative framework.
However, FIFA’s expected visit to Nigeria and its involvement in the selection process mean that the final composition and leadership of the proposed committee remain subject to further consultations and approval.
