A Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria Football Association Act and enact the Nigeria Football Federation Act (“NFF Act”) has been passed by the Nigerian Senate at the National Assembly. Several commentators have opined that the Bill when passed into law will set football in Nigeria on a path for greatness as the Nigerian Football Federation (“NFF”) will be able to function effectively and independent of government interference.
We believe it is the sole aim of the proponents of this bill to set up a structure that allows for the effective organization of football in Nigeria, particularly as the game cannot thrive amidst continuous government interference. This is so as Article 19 of FIFA Statutes provides that “Each member shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.” While we admit that the intentions of the proponents of the Bill might be genuine, the contents of the Bill, and questions surrounding its constitutionality raise a lot of concerns that we intend to deliberate on in the foregoing paragraphs.
A Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria Football Association Act and enact the Nigeria Football Federation Act (“NFF Act”) has been passed by the Nigerian Senate at the National Assembly. Several commentators have opined that the Bill when passed into law will set football in Nigeria on a path for greatness as the Nigerian Football Federation (“NFF”) will be able to function effectively and independent of government interference.
We believe it is the sole aim of the proponents of this bill to set up a structure that allows for the effective organization of football in Nigeria, particularly as the game cannot thrive amidst continuous government interference. This is so as Article 19 of FIFA Statutes provides that “Each member shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.” While we admit that the intentions of the proponents of the Bill might be genuine, the contents of the Bill, and questions surrounding its constitutionality raise a lot of concerns that we intend to deliberate on in the foregoing paragraphs.
