NFF Denies Backing Calls For Infantino’s Resignation
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that it has joined calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign.
The federation described the reports, which have circulated widely on social media, as completely false and urged the public to disregard them.
In a statement published on its official X account on Saturday, the NFF made its position unequivocal.
“Contrary to reports, especially on social media, @thenff has never asked and is not asking for @FIFAcom President, Mr. Gianni Infantino, to step down as FIFA President. This is outright falsehood. Kindly disregard.”
The clarification comes amid growing criticism of Infantino following controversy surrounding a proposed plan to raise billions of dollars through the commercialisation of stakes in the rights to FIFA competitions.
The proposal, reportedly aimed at generating about $4.2 billion through a new commercial entity involving private investors, faced opposition from several quarters over concerns about transparency, consultation and the future governance of world football.
European football authorities and other football stakeholders reportedly expressed strong reservations about the plan, which was subsequently abandoned following the backlash.
Against that backdrop, social media reports had suggested that the NFF had joined European football bodies in demanding Infantino’s removal.
The Nigerian federation, however, has now categorically rejected the claim.
The NFF has previously expressed strong support for Infantino’s leadership.
In February, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised the FIFA president for what he described as a decade of transformative leadership.
The federation has also formally submitted its nomination and support for Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president at the 2027 election.
The latest statement therefore reaffirms the NFF’s position that it remains supportive of Infantino and has made no demand for his resignation.
The federation described the reports, which have circulated widely on social media, as completely false and urged the public to disregard them.
In a statement published on its official X account on Saturday, the NFF made its position unequivocal.
“Contrary to reports, especially on social media, @thenff has never asked and is not asking for @FIFAcom President, Mr. Gianni Infantino, to step down as FIFA President. This is outright falsehood. Kindly disregard.”
The clarification comes amid growing criticism of Infantino following controversy surrounding a proposed plan to raise billions of dollars through the commercialisation of stakes in the rights to FIFA competitions.
The proposal, reportedly aimed at generating about $4.2 billion through a new commercial entity involving private investors, faced opposition from several quarters over concerns about transparency, consultation and the future governance of world football.
European football authorities and other football stakeholders reportedly expressed strong reservations about the plan, which was subsequently abandoned following the backlash.
Against that backdrop, social media reports had suggested that the NFF had joined European football bodies in demanding Infantino’s removal.
The Nigerian federation, however, has now categorically rejected the claim.
The NFF has previously expressed strong support for Infantino’s leadership.
In February, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised the FIFA president for what he described as a decade of transformative leadership.
The federation has also formally submitted its nomination and support for Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president at the 2027 election.
The latest statement therefore reaffirms the NFF’s position that it remains supportive of Infantino and has made no demand for his resignation.
