FIFA Gives Nigeria Deadline Over Team Ban

FIFA said on Friday Nigeria had until Monday evening to reverse a decision by the government to withdraw the national soccer team from international competition or it would face suspension.

Soccer’s world governing body said a failure to comply with its ultimatum would mean the Nigerian Football Federation would be barred from all FIFA-related activities.

“FIFA will today send a letter to the Nigerian football federation indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) to cancel its decision to withdraw Nigeria’s participation in all FIFA and CAF organised football competitions,” FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told a news briefing on Friday.

“A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national team, it also involves the freezing of the financial help and no referees can participate in international competition.”

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday withdrew the Super Eagles from international competition for the next two years following their poor performance in the World Cup when they were knocked out in the first round after failing to win a match.

Maingot said FIFA would not recognise a management committee set up by the Nigerian government, however, it would send an executive member of the world football body to attempt last minute mediation on Monday.