Sports Minister orders probe of NFF’s finances after FIFA stops grants to Nigeria

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has ordered an audit of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) finances, after FIFA suspended grants to the country, until $1.1million is properly accounted for.


Dalung gave this directive, while speaking at the Annual General Assembly in Lagos on Sunday.
“I received a report from the NFF intimating me of FIFA’s audit Report which raised queries on the management of $1.1 Million FIFA’s development grant to the NFF. According to the Report, FIFA has withheld all development funds to the Nigeria for lack of proper documentation of $802,000 out of the funds released to NFF,” he said.

“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, His Excellency, Mohammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for any act of mis-appropriation, misapplication, embezzlement or fraud in any guise.

“To this end, the NFF is directed to immediately provide my office with detail 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 so as to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance your market value.”