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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has debunked reports that it has endorsed calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, completesports.com reports.
The NFF made its position known in a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday.
Infantino faces widespread calls to step down, following a failed plan to sell stakes in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments (the FIFA Forward Enterprise or similar proposal), with earlier criticism tied to the 2026 World Cup.
The core recent controversy involves Infantino’s proposal to raise around $4.2 billion by creating a commercial entity and selling stakes to private investors (reportedly including links to figures connected to Donald Trump’s circle).
It faced strong opposition for lack of consultation, concentration of power, and risks to football’s governance and future. UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions (including the World Cup), and other confederations and associations criticized it as unacceptable. FIFA abandoned the plan in late July/early August 2026 after the backlash.
Also Read: Infantino Denies Claims UEFA Paid Off Ex-Lover
Argentina and Mexico have publicly supported Infantino, but social media reports had claimed the NFF aligned itself with European nations in calling for his removal.
NFF Describes Rumours as ‘Outright Falsehood’
In the statement, the NFF firmly rejected the claims, described the rumours as outright falsehood that should be disregarded.
“Contrary to reports, especially on social media, @thenff has never asked and is not asking for @FIFAcom President, Mr. Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA PRESIDENT,” it reads.
“This is outright falsehood. Kindly disregard.”
The NFF has publicly declared support for Infantino’s leadership on multiple occasions. In February, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau hailed the FIFA chief’s “decade of transformative leadership.”
The federation also submitted its letter of nomination and support for Infantino’s re-election bid in 2027.
By James Agberebi
