The push by some State Football Association chairmen for a Caretaker Committee to oversee the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appears to be losing momentum, with a Normalization Committee reportedly gaining wider support among key stakeholders.
The development follows consultations between a joint FIFA and CAF delegation currently in Nigeria and major stakeholders involved in the administration of Nigerian football.
Reports indicate that four of the five stakeholder groups consulted have backed the establishment of a Normalization Committee rather than a Caretaker Committee. Those reportedly supporting the option include the Players’ Union, Football Coaches Association of Nigeria, league bodies and the Nigeria Referees Association.
The development could weaken the position of some State FA chairmen who have been calling for a Caretaker Committee following the resignation of several NFF officials, including the federation’s General Secretary.
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A major point in the debate is the FIFA Statutes. While a Normalization Committee is an established FIFA mechanism that can be used in exceptional circumstances to restore stability and proper governance within a member association, a Caretaker Committee is not specifically recognised under the FIFA Statutes.
FIFA also places considerable emphasis on the independence and proper administration of national football associations. Any temporary leadership arrangement is therefore expected to comply with FIFA regulations and the statutes of the NFF.
Under the proposed arrangement, a Normalization Committee could be tasked with restoring stability within the federation, addressing governance concerns where necessary and preparing the NFF for a return to elected leadership.
The FIFA and CAF delegation is expected to continue its consultations on Tuesday with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), former NFF presidents and former General Secretaries.
The delegation is also scheduled to meet with officials of the National Sports Commission before concluding its visit to Nigeria and returning to FIFA headquarters in Zurich.
The outcome of the consultations is expected to provide greater clarity on the way forward for the NFF, and the steps FIFA and CAF may take to address the ongoing leadership crisis.
For now, the Normalization Committee option appears to have gained stronger backing among the key stakeholders consulted, putting the proposed Caretaker Committee under increasing pressure.
