30th May, 2015
The Nigeria Football Association (NFF) says it has zero tolerance for corrupt practices as well as any form of high-handedness or impunity, according to its President Amaju Pinnick.
An NFF statement on Friday said clarification became necessary against the backdrop of Pinnick’s publicly-voiced support for FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s fifth term bid on Friday in Zurich, which had been misinterpreted by a section of the media.
It said: “in the eight months that we have been in office, I have consistently told my colleagues on the Executive Committee and the members of Management and Staff that there will be no room for corruption in Nigeria football.
“Corruption has no place in the beautiful game and will not be tolerated at the NFF or anywhere in Nigerian football. I have also given that message to all coaches of the National teams in clear language.”
“In law, a man is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yes, there are issues of corruption on ground and a number of officials have been arrested.
“Blatter has neither been indicted nor arrested. He even moved swiftly to suspend those officials who have been arrested”.
It said the NFF gave full support to Blatter because, “we believe in a strong and focused body, committed to using football to promote global peace and making the world a better place for all”.
It added, however, “should Mr Blatter be indicted or arrested, he will immediately lose our support.”
“Blatter has promised to make FIFA stronger and we will work with him to achieve that.
“The NFF will continue to do all within its powers to maintain the ethics of football administration in Nigeria and will continue to work with FIFA to protect the image of football.”