FIFA draws line under NFF crisis letter, declares circulating document 'fake'
The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has disowned a purported letter circulating on social media over the ongoing crisis surrounding the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing the document as fake and urging stakeholders to disregard it.
A senior FIFA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, categorically dismissed the document and insisted that it did not originate from the world football governing body.
“Disregard this letter purportedly written by FIFA. I can authoritatively say that it is fake. Nothing like that has emanated from FIFA,” the official said.
The FIFA source further disclosed that the world football governing body was, as of Tuesday, holding discussions with the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the NFF, making the circulation of an alleged official communication while the meeting was ongoing particularly questionable.
“As we speak, FIFA is in a meeting with the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation leaderships.
“So, having a letter in circulation on social media when the meeting is still ongoing should be disregarded,” the official added.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also reacted on social media to reports based on the purported FIFA correspondence, describing the report as fake news.
The document, dated September 1, 2026, and bearing the reference “NIG-GOV-INT-2026”, was reportedly addressed to the NFF President and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission. It purportedly claimed that FIFA was concerned about reports surrounding the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and alleged government involvement in the development.
The purported letter further cited FIFA Statutes on the autonomy of member associations and allegedly gave Nigerian authorities seven days to clarify the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s reported resignation. It also claimed that failure to provide satisfactory clarification could result in Nigeria’s suspension from FIFA and CAF competitions, as well as the appointment of a FIFA/CAF Normalisation Committee.
However, the FIFA official who spoke to BSN Sports categorically rejected the document, insisting that it was not an official communication from FIFA. While FIFA’s statutes provide for the independence of member associations and prohibit third-party interference, the general provisions do not authenticate the document currently circulating on social media.
The development comes amid heightened uncertainty over the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, with the NFF facing a period of significant transition. The ongoing engagement between FIFA, the NSC and the NFF is expected to provide greater clarity on the situation and determine the next steps for Nigerian football administration.
Stakeholders have therefore been advised to rely only on verified information and official communications from FIFA and other recognised football authorities.
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