- It’s not true –NFF
STORIES BY JOE APU
World soccer ruling body, FIFA has allegedly suspended its development grant to Nigeria.
According to Youth and Sports minister, Solomon Dalung, the suspension is as a result of improper account for the sum of $1.1m given the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Dalung, while declaring open the NFF Annual General Assembly in Lagos yesterday ordered an audit of the finances of the Federation.
“I received a report from the NFF intimating me of FIFA’s audit report which raised queries on the management of $1.1 Million FIFA’s development grant to the NFF. According to the report, FIFA has withheld all development funds to Nigeria for lack of proper documentation of $802,000 out of the funds released to NFF,” reported Dalung.
“This is a very serious issue that must be given urgent attention to avoid another international embarrassment, more so that the present administration under the leadership of Mr. President, His Excellency, Mohammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for any act of misappropriation, misapplication, embezzlement or fraud in any guise.
“To this end, the NFF is directed to immediately provide my office with detail information of receipt, disbursement and application of the FIFA development grant accordingly.
“In addition, a reputable audit firm should be appointed urgently to check the account books of the federation to ensure that funds are judiciously expended.
“The audit report must be made public so as to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance your market value.”
However, in a swift reaction to the minister’s claims, a top member of the NFF told Daily Sunsports that FIFA’s decision to suspend its development fund is as a result of TSA.
“The real situation with regards to FIFA development funds is that they want us to open a separate account for monies that come from them and as such with the permission of the central bank, the NFF would open an account. It’s not an issue of accountability.