FIFA, CAF Put NFF Elections on Hold, Seek Meetings With Congress, NSC

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have formally ordered the suspension of the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral process, while launching a joint assessment of the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the crisis engulfing Nigerian football.

In a letter dated September 7, 2026 and signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov, the two governing bodies said they were reviewing the resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, members of the Executive Committee and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, as well as communications received from other Nigerian football stakeholders.

FIFA and CAF also referred to their September 1 meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich with the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The organisations stressed that they have not reached any conclusions on the issues under review, saying their assessment requires a careful examination of the facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions of the various stakeholders.

However, in what represents the most significant development since the NFF leadership crisis erupted, FIFA and CAF have requested that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions relating to the process be taken until further notice.

The two bodies said the request was intended to preserve the status quo while they complete their assessment and consult relevant stakeholders.

‘FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions on any of the matters under review, and the present suspension should not be interpreted as a determination on the validity of any decisions, actions, processes, positions or interpretations advanced by any stakeholder,’ the letter stated.

Importantly, FIFA and CAF made clear that the suspension should not be interpreted as an endorsement or rejection of any of the competing positions in the Nigerian football governance dispute.

The two bodies have also appointed NFF Deputy General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.

FIFA and CAF further announced plans to undertake a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.

The mission will meet representatives of the NFF administration, members of the NFF, the federation’s electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The Abuja mission is expected to provide FIFA and CAF with a fuller understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments, the positions of the different stakeholders and issues requiring further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulatory frameworks.

Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF said they would determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective competent decision-making bodies.

They stressed that, until the process is completed, the outcome remains open and no assumptions should be made about what action they may or may not take.

The development effectively places the proposed restructuring of Nigerian football and the NFF electoral roadmap under direct scrutiny from FIFA and CAF. It also means that the September 27 NFF Elective Congress cannot proceed while the suspension remains in force.

The NFF had previously suspended preparations for the congress following the resignation of Gusau, Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee.