The National Sports Commission has clarified its position regarding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) investigation into the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) financial practices.
A senior official from the NSC, speaking anonymously to Punch, said, “The matter pertains to the NFF and not the NSC.”
In a letter dated November 28, 2024, and signed by Farouk Dogondaji on behalf of the EFCC’s chairman, the commission requested detailed information on the NFF’s financial transactions, including sponsorship deals, tournament funds, and FIFA/CAF grants received since 2022.
Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria Task Force, expressed his awareness of the investigation through media reports.
“I was surprised to learn about the probe as I viewed it in the news. I don’t have all the facts yet,” Jalla stated as quoted by the Punch. He noted that he had received numerous inquiries following the announcement.
Earlier this year, Jalla called for transparency regarding the $21.1 million in FIFA grants that the NFF received from 2014 to 2024, which included funding from both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, as well as a $2.5 million FIFA Assisted Programme grant.
The NSC rebuffed any suggestions of involvement in the investigation, with director general’s media aide, Micheal Obasi, describing claims linking the commission to the probe as “malicious” and “deeply misleading.”
The NSC stated, “To clarify, the EFCC has simply requested relevant documents relating to the Nigeria Football Federation.”
The EFCC’s investigation spans various elements, including funding for international competitions, FIFA grants for the Super Falcons’ World Cup campaign, and CAF allocations for the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Jalla previously highlighted concerns regarding the NFF’s financial management, mentioning accumulating debts and outstanding payments to players and staff despite receiving significant grants.
He also pointed out the need for more effective management of the NFF’s technical development, arguing that the funds received from FIFA and CAF over the years could have been utilized to establish a strong and sustainable technical department.
The EFCC’s request for information is based on Section 38 (1) and (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act of 2004, which underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in managing public funds in Nigerian sports.