–Slams world soccer rulling body over suspension
Former FIFA and CAF Technical Instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has posited that FIFA should not dictate to the Nigerian government on how to run its affairs.
Onigbinde said in as much as he is a firm believer in the FIFA rules and guidelines, its not proper for the government to jettison its laws because of FIFA guidelines since according to him, he who plays the piper, dictates the tune.
Onigbinde spoke against the backdrop of Wednesday’s suspension of the country from international football by the world football governing body following last week’s court verdict on NFF and the extra-ordinary congress that voted out Alhaji Aminu maigari’s executive committee.
“Does FIFA not know that the NFF is funded by the Nigerian government?”, querries the Modakeke High Chief.
“If they do, why would they frown at the same government asking to know how the funds it gives out is being spent or was actually spent?
“Is it not expedient for he who pays the piper to dictate the tune? In as much as I am a strong believer in the rules and guidelines of FIFA as regards football administration, I think if government funds the NFF or any other association for that matter, it deserves to know how the funds it releases to the FA is being used.
“Otherwise, the government can say, okay, we cannot interfere, we cannot give money to the (football) federation then lets see if there will be any federation or football activity for that matter.
“In the first place why is FIFA angry with Nigeria, because of the court ruling?, If yes are they saying we should jettison our laws and give theirs the priority?”
The Modakeke High Chief said that Nigeria should use the period of suspension to redress all the ills militating against the game in the country.
“Our football needs restructuring, both the administrative and technical aspects have gone bad. If we can tell ourselves the gospel truth, if indeed the suspension comes let’s use the period to do a serious re-thinking and put our house in order.
“All clubs in Nigeria are owned and funded by government. What happens if government says okay, we don’t want to interfere and as a result withdraws its funding?
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COMMENTS
It is sad that Nigeria is suspended (not banned) by FIFA. From the comments of Chief Onigbeinde and what I have read in the media the situation was not well handled talking as a lover of the game and an unbiased observer. Why ? Our football is on the ascendancy and this is the time to build on our gains and at the same time respecting our judiciary.
Good we want the NFF president to account for the funds of the world cup. Did we give him an opportunity to do so? I understand he was picked up at the airport on his return from the world cup. That is not right and does not give him the opportunity to account for the funds.
Yes who pays the piper dictates the tune but we belong to FIFA that has its rules. The solution is do not belong to FIFA (which is not in the interest of us fans and government) or let government hands off sports (which is what obtains in Europe) and involve the private sector and make the FA independent.
What was the hurry to remove the NFF President when there is to be a congress in August, a month away. Allow him to defend himself and then if he is unable to do so then apply the law.
There are also a FIFA specified procedures for removing an erring President which was not followed. This is not an issue of who pays the piper. Let us follow the rules or involve the private sector. Sports may or may not suffer if we involve the private sector. Even if it suffers it will be for a short time but we would have solved this recurring problem once and for all.
Government should manage this issue quickly and better to ensure that the suspension is lifted.
Reinstate the NFF board and let us follow FIFA rules, the rules of the court and the rule of fair hearing.
Long live one Nigeria !
Remind Blatter that he is ONLY a FIFA president and NOT the COMMANDER IN CHIEF of the Nigerian Federation.
THAT IS TRUE TALK FROM OUR FORMER COACH ONIGBINDE.
Editor please note,”He who pays the piper calls the tune”” is the correct sentence and note “He who pays the piper dictate the tune” as reported