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NFF clarifies usage of CAF, FIFA competitions payment amidst financial scrutiny
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a fresh clarification emphasizing that the funds it receives from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are not free gifts but allocations tied to specific projects and purposes.
According to the Federation, this clarification became necessary following a wave of misinformation circulating on social media, suggesting that the NFF receives millions of dollars annually from FIFA as unrestricted funds.
In a statement released on Friday, the NFF explained that every financial inflow from FIFA or CAF is designated for particular initiatives, with both governing bodies conducting annual audits to ensure proper use.
These funds, the Federation noted, are lodged in dedicated accounts which FIFA and CAF auditors review at the end of each year to ensure transparency and accountability.
The NFF further elaborated that development funds are earmarked for well-defined projects and programmes, while FIFA Forward funds are governed by strict regulations.
Each stage of a FIFA Forward project is monitored, audited, and approved before any further disbursement is made. For instance, ongoing projects such as the NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and the new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja undergo meticulous verification and approval by FIFA-appointed consultants, to whom payments are made directly.
The Federation also criticized individuals spreading false financial figures online, describing such actions as deliberate mischief.
It stressed that anyone familiar with the costs of organizing matches for any of Nigeria’s national teams would understand the magnitude of expenses involved and refrain from making unfounded claims.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NFF stated that it operates under disciplined financial procedures aligned with international best practices.
The Federation underscored that its audited accounts prepared by globally recognized firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers are presented annually before its Congress at every Annual General Assembly, reflecting its dedication to integrity and responsible financial management.
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