FIFA freezes Nigeria's $9m World Cup prizemoney because of NFF leadership crisis

Published on: 25 November 2014
FIFA freezes Nigeria's $9m World Cup prizemoney because of NFF leadership crisis
FIFA delays Nigeria money

FIFA is delaying the release of $9m to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as its prize-money for the 2014 World Cup because of the crisis the the administration of the game in the country.

Top NFF official, Musa Amadu, has confirmed that Nigeria are yet to receive $9m prizemoney they earned at the last World Cup because of the leadership crisis that has bedevilled the country.

While Ghana FA (GFA) faced a similar onslaught from government the leaders of the federation were able to stave off the challenge which allowed FIFA to release the money of their participation.

Nigeria has witnessed several changes in the administration of the game since the tournament which has resulted in FIFA's reluctance in releasing the money.

 â€œThe money is ready, but the katakata (crisis) we have had has meant we are yet to access it,” NFF general secretary Amadu disclosed in a radio interview monitored in Abuja Tuesday.

 â€œWe believe that once everything is sorted, we will get the cash.”

The leadership tussle began soon after the country’s exit at the hands of France in Brazil 2014.

Amadu also said they are very much aware of the $3.8 million advanced to them by the federal government to offset the appearance fee for the players at Brazil and are obliged to refund it once they get the money.

 â€œWe have a memo from the sports ministry reminding us of our obligation to the government and once we get the money, we will pay up,” he said.

 The Super Eagles reached the knock-out stage of the World Cup in Brazil for only the second time in their history.

Ghana received about $7.7 as they were unable to advance from the group stage and have already paid government its loan to the team to cater for the appearance fees.

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