Dalung Queries NFF Over FIFA’s $802k Grant

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has queried the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF over improper documentation of $802,000 out of $1.1m FIFA development grant giving to Nigeria. 

The Minister said at the 72nd General Assembly of the NFF held in Lagos on Sunday that he received a report from the NFF raising queries on FIFA’s audit report of $1.1m FIFA 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.

“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 Muhammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for any act of misappropriation, misapplication, embezzlement or fraud in any guise.”

He directed the NFF to provide the Ministry of Youth and Sports with detailed 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 to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance your  market value.” Dalung said.

Dalung also chided the NFF for allowing the issue of the payment of entitlements due to the African women champions, Super Falcons to become embarrassment before it was settled. He stated that the Super Falcons’ public protest for their entitlements could have been averted if the football house had effectively managed the situation.

He therefore called for  the submission of a comprehensive proposal of programs of the federation for 2017 to the Ministry by January with all requests for intervention,  to make way for scrutiny and effective planning.

In his speech at the AGM, the Minister  said that his office has been inundated with reports suggesting that the board of the NFF is divided over the issue of Mr Pinnick Amaju contesting for a seat in the Confederation of African Football CAF.

“It is a policy of government to support and encourage Nigerians to vie and aspire for positions in international organizations. However, such persons must possess the requisite qualification and the wherewithal to succeed.

“So it was heartwarming when I received a letter from the president of NFF Mr Amaju Pinnick declaring his interest to vie for a position in CAF. The NFF  is hereby directed to avail the ministry with the minutes of the meeting  where Mr Pinnick’s nomination for a CAF seat was discussed and approved so as to put the records straight. If our quest for a CAF seat is to materialize, then the NFF President will need the support of everybody.”

He  urged the football family to consolidate on the gains of the successes recorded so far as the country cannot afford to gamble with anything that will thwart the collective resolve to deliver the World Cup ticket to Nigeria.