The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, has clarified that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, does not build or construct standard stadiums for any country, contrary to assumptions surrounding the $1.2 million Kebbi Stadium project.
Amadu made the clarification on Wednesday during an
interview on Channels Television, following public backlash over a viral photo
showing the half-completed FIFA-funded facility in Kebbi State.
He explained that FIFA only provides football development
grants to member associations, which may be used for projects such as
mini-stadiums, coaching programmes, or grassroots football initiatives.
“According to FIFA’s rules, the body cannot build or
construct a standard stadium for any nation. FIFA only supports football
development through its grants,” he said.
The clarification follows public outrage after FIFA, in a
social media post, showcased the Kebbi mini-stadium built under its FIFA
Forward Programme, prompting Nigerians to question how the $1.2 million
allocation was spent.
While the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has insisted
that all FIFA funds are properly accounted for, critics have continued to raise
concerns over transparency and project implementation.
Amadu also dismissed comparisons between the Kebbi facility
and Kenya’s more advanced stadium, noting that such a project would require far
more than the approved amount.
“There is no way $1.2 million can construct that kind of
stadium in today’s economy,” he stated. “Member associations may use the funds
for mini-stadiums, training, or other developmental programmes, not world-class
facilities.”
The House of Representatives had earlier announced plans to
probe FIFA and Confederation of African Football, CAF, grants totalling $25
million received by the NFF.
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