FIFA Suspends Nigeria For Government Interference

Nigeria has qualified for every women’s World Cup, but FIFA’s suspension means the team will not be given the opportunity to qualify for next year’s. Though the suspension could be lifted at any time (should Nigeria come in compliance with FIFA regulations), players like Tainjin Teda’s Stella Mbachu and Linkopings’ Maureen Mmadu - 32 and 35 years old, having a combined 123 caps, and nearing the end of what might their final World Cup cycle - may lose the chance to compete in what should have been their final World Cup.

FIFA regulations carry strict guidelines against undue government interference in the administration of a country’s football association. Recently, El Salvador and Belize have faced similar suspensions, and after four months of various Nigerian government involvement in the NFF, FIFA has resorted to their prescribed punishment.

The decision means the NFF can not enter any teams in FIFA sanctioned competitions, including the 2012 African Cup of Nations, qualifying for which was to continue this week. Nigeria was scheduled to play at Guinea on Friday, a match which is likely to be awarded to Guinea.