National Teams
“They for don show proof now” – Samson Siasia set to sue FIFA for career-damaging claims

By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia, who was handed a five-year ban by FIFA, is gearing up to sue the football governing body for damaging his career.
It took Siasia almost two years to appeal the ban, with the appeal eventually lodged in June 2021 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This appeal resulted in a reduction of the suspension to five years and the cancellation of an additional fine of 50,000 Swiss francs ($54,000).
Renowned for his contributions to Nigerian football, Siasia is one of the best coaches in the country’s history. He notably guided the U20 and U23 national teams to silver medals at the 2005 World Cup and the men’s football event of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Siasia has taken a bold stance against FIFA, challenging the allegations that have marred his reputation.
In a recent interview with Athlist, the 56-year-old, whose ban ends in a few months, revealed his plans to sue FIFA for compensation for the damage done to his career, asserting his innocence.
“I filed a case in America. I have a hearing in January, just sent almost a week ago. It’s gonna be on the 12th or 13th of January,” Siasia said. “I’m seeking financial help because the dollar-naira exchange is a challenge. I’ve been talking to some people quietly to see how they can help me. So the hearing is scheduled for the 12th in Manhattan.
“I’m suing FIFA because my lawyer said we need to get compensation for what they did to me. He believes we can get it. If I’m not innocent, why would you defend me? So since Nigeria doesn’t want to do it, I have other countries willing to help.
“There’s no proof to whatever they are doing. If there was anything like that, that there was money exchanging hands or whatever, they would have shown us by now.”