Nigeria have been suspended from all international competitions with immediate effect by FIFA, following the government's alleged interference with the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation).
The ban comes after the government issued a court order and forced Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to take over the NFF, following the Super Eagles' elimination from the 2014 World Cup.
And FIFA, who forbid any government interference with the national football associations, has decided to take some stern action in response.
"The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided today, July 9, 2014, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference," read a statement on FIFA's official website.
"The decision follows a letter sent by FIFA to the NFF on July 4, 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
"The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date for such a hearing."
"The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on July 5 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes. Originally, an elective congress had been planned by the NFF to take place on August 26, 2014."
FIFA has stated that they will lift the ban only if the court order is lifted, and the Nigerian government agree to never interfere with the running of the NFF again.
"The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.''
If the government fails to resolve the issue before 15 July, Nigerian women's team will not be able to participate in the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup in Canada next month, under the terms of the suspension.
"As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort [including clubs] can have any international sporting contact [art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes]. During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches," the statement added.
