CP30507227
File: In this Monday, June 30, 2014 file photo, Nigeria\'s Emmanuel Emenike, center, looks up as his team form a huddle before the start of the second half during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between France and Nigeria at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil. FIFA says it is giving Nigeria one last chance to avoid a "lengthy" ban, by demanding that the government stops interfering in NFF Nigeria Football Federation business. The threatened ban would prevent the reigning champions from defending its title at next year\'s Africa Cup of Nations.(AP Photo/Martin Meissner, FILE)

Nigeria Football Federation says it has avoided FIFA ban

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Football Federation says it has avoided a long-term ban by FIFA after in-fighting over the leadership of the football body was ended through intervention by the country’s president.

The NFF says Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has ensured “a truce” and a faction challenging new NFF President Amaju Pinnick’s election last month has “discontinued” legal action against him.

The world body gave Nigeria until midday Friday local time (1100 GMT) to withdraw a court order nullifying the Sept. 30 football elections. FIFA endorsed Pinnick’s election and viewed the order as interference in football matters against its rules.

If Nigeria does not meet the deadline, FIFA said it would be banned until at least May, disqualifying the defending champion from next year’s African Cup of Nations.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

More Articles

Related Articles